HOSPITAL EXTENSION

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 63, 20 March 1929, Page 6

HOSPITAL EXTENSION

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT,

CONSIDERATION BY BOARD. WARDS TO BE EXTENDED. At yesterday’s meeting of the Hospital Board consideration was given t° a report by the Medical Superintendent. (Dr. Steven) on the question of extension of buildings. It was decided that the present men’s and women’s wards, he extended, and plans are being prepared for further accommodation for nurses, the ante-natal clinic "etc. Mr, 0. 11. Finncrty questioned whether it was not. wasting time to discuss the report in the absence of Dr. Steven.

The chairman (Mr. W. L. Kennedy) thought the discussion might go on. He did not think Dr. Steven could add much to the report. The secretary read a letter from the Department, indicating that forecasts of capital expenditure for the coming year must he in the Departments hands before March. Tlio chairman said it would ho necessary to let the Department have some idea of tho cost of the extensions.

SUPERINTENDENT’S VIEWS.

Dealing with the history of trio hospital. Dr. Steven. said the .buildings erected in 1907 provided for two wards and a side-room. Later, the dining room for convalescent patients was turned into a children’ B ward. In 1919 additions were made to the men’s and women’s wards, and m 1923 the maternity annexe was added, The previous extensions had given, more beds but bad not increased the number of wards. Side rooms were required, as one delirious patient might disturb the whole of the patients in a ward. It had to ho considered whether the present building could be added to or whether certain patients could be put in separate buildings. The natural way to extend would be to entry out the ; ahihlrtein’s 4vard regular with the other wards.. The men’s and women’s wards might be extended to take eight or even ten beds. This would interfere with the elevated drive. If a second stoijy was decided on there would need to be a lift and a stairway.. The building was not designed for an upper story. Therefore the walls would need to strengthened,! or the upper story made of some lighter material. The chairman thought! extending the wards would interfere with the light, in (the. back portion of the wards. further story favoured. Mr Finnorty favoured a further story. During building operations some patients might he housed in another building in the town and others at the Hawora Hospital, Substantial extensions would have to be made at some future time ,and further extension on the ground floor would) bo difficult. The Board should tackle the problem and provide for all possible future extension. Kxbonnbii on the ground floor would sacrifice privacy for patients. The ohnairiman adked what .would become of tbo staff during tho building of the upper story. Mr Finnorty said some might bo employed by the Haw era Board. Ho thought that the use of the old Technical School might be obtained. Mr Kay said there was not much in Mr Finnorty’s contention about lack of privacy. Personally, he thought that provision should now bo

made for tho adding of a further story.

The chairman said the Board was cramped for space. The Palmerston Board had 32 acres, and had twostory buildings all over tho, grounds. There was a central main kitchen ano subsidiary kitchens at. each ward. Mr Fimierty saiid Ibis contention, as regards privacy had reference to tho proposed extension of the children’s ward.

Mr Kay said ho did not undei'stano this was suggested. Mr Fimierty was right about the lack of privacy in that case. Personally, he objected to the .extension of the children's ward.

Mr Kay referred! to the report, and found that Dr, Steven’s final reeom. mendation was in the extension of th© tw outer wards hut not the children’s ward. 1 Mr Marfell said the doctor’s recommendation, should be earned out. Staff accommodation should be provided in a separate buihkng behind the Maternity Annexe*

THE CHILDREN’S WARD.

Mr Kay moved that in consideration of extensions tho children’s ward in Uo case, be added to on the north side. There was no seconder.

Mr Marfell moved that 'the nion’s and women’s wards be extended to the extent of eight beds each. Mr Kay seconded. Mr J. T. Belcher thought tliQ motion covered only pfesent needs. Ho favoured a comprehensive scheme, with provision of an upper story. Mr Marfell said the ground floor extension would not interfere with the subsequent addition of an upperstory.

The chairman said he was in favour of an upper story, but there were many disadvantages. \\ ith two floors the staff would have to ho increased..

Mr Finnerty moved an amendment that the extension he made by the upper story. He thought the proposed extensions would spoil the look of the grounds, and oidy amounted to tinkering with the problem. Mr J. J). Healey, the Board’s architect, said the ground floor extension would cost approximately

£3,600 and the upper story approximately £5,G00, Mr Belcher seconded the amendment.

Mr Kay said the drive might Be taken up the present foot track, and this would obviate aUy filling in from of the extended wards. Mr G. P. Harkness said that no drive was required in front Of the building. Patients could be received on the east side of the building. The amendment was lost and the motion carried. It was also decided that plans be ( prepared for further accommodation for nurses, the ante-natal clinic, etc. A vote of thanks was passed to the Medical Superintendent for his comprehensive report.