HOSPITAL FACILITIES

Taranaki Daily News, 17 April 1935, Page 9

HOSPITAL FACILITIES

ADDED ACCOMMODATION NECESSITY AT NEW PLYMOUTH. NEW ROOMS AND TENNIS COURTS. “To such an extent has the demand grown from the general public for attention at this institution that the incoming board will very probably find it necessary to carry on the investigations thgt have engaged the attentions of the present board regarding additional ward ‘accommodation,” said Mr. P. E. Stainton, chairman of the Taranaki Hospital Board yesterday, when presenting a resume of the board's activities during the last 12 months. “Lack of accommodation for additional nurses is the governing factor to any additional hospital bed accommodation, but I am pleased to report that the plans and specifications have been completed for an additional 42 rooms with conveniences at the Nurses’ Home, and the details in connection with these additions will be a matter that will engage the attention of the incoming board.”

During the year it was possible to arrange for the nursing staff to have a day off every two weeks in place of every four weeks as previously. The change was greatly appreciated by the nurses, and he was confident that apart from the fairness of the change even more efficient service, with a reduced rate of sickness amongst the nursing staff, would be the result, said Mr. Stainton.

The year had brought with it changes in the personnel of a number of the important positions on the staff. Mr. Taylor, the accountant, resigned to take up a position on the staff of the Hamilton Hospital Board. The position was being filled by Mr. Williams. The Matron of the Old Peoples’ Home (Sister Hamann) resigned on superannuation and Sister 0. Grant was selected to fill the position. The chief engineer, Mr. Dunn, resigned and his position was filled by Mr. Mander. After 23 years’ continuous service, Miss Campbell, chief clerk, resigned on superannuation, and the position was filled by the appointment of Mr. McDonald.

Satisfactory arrangements were made for the leasing of the Opunake hospiial to Mrs. Cross. Adequate safeguards were provided to ensure a satisfactory service to the Opunake district, and the board appreciated the co-operation of

Mrs. Cross in completing the arrangements. Through the generosity of an anonymous New Plymouth citizen a cheque for £5OO was given to the board. It was unanimously agreed that as the recreation facilities for the nurses were inadequate the money should be applied for the laying down of tennis courts and the- necessary appointments for their use. This work when completed would not only serve a most useful and necessary purpose, but would also serve to keep the gift distinctive.