HOSPITAL BOARD.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5805, 24 February 1897, Page 3

HOSPITAL BOARD.

ORDINARY MEETING. An ordinary meeting of the Christchurch Hospital Board was held this afternoon ; present — Messrs R. D. Thomas (chairman), W. Dunlop, R. Westenra, J. A. Caygffl, C M. Gray, W. Moor, H. W. Peryman, J. Hamilton, J. Dobson, G. Wallace and Dr Stewart. TRANSFER OP CASES. Dr Stewart moved — " That on all occasions when transfers of cases are made from one member of the honorary staff to another, direct instructions to effect the change must be given to the house surgeon by the member of the staff in charge of the' patient." Mr Caygill seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously without- discussion. MAJOR OPERATIONS. Dr Stewart inoveel — "That the special attention of the N honorary staff be called to Rule 8." The rule provides that in no case shall a major operation be performed, except in cases of emergency, without previous consultation, and in no case shall a major operation be performed by the house sui'geon on his own responsibility. Dr Stewart explained that it was the former part of the rule to which he wished attention to be directed. Several members expressed the opinion that the rule was sufficiently well known, and Dr Stewart withdrew the motion. Dr Stewart moved — "In all cases of patients under age, the House Surgeon, on intimation being made to him that an operation is to be performed (unless previous permission has been given), shall without delay communicate with the friends of the patient.'' • The Chairman suggested that the words " This not to apply to cases of emergency " should be added to the motion, and that the words " where practicable " should be inserted before " without delay." Dr Stewart accepted the suggestions. The motion, as amended accordingly, was seconded by Mr Caygill, and carried unanimously. Dr Stewart, by permission, withdrew his motions as to the return of nurses' and probationers' service, and the rate of pay of probationers. He explained that his object had been attained by certain reports which had been furnished. REPORTS. The House Committee's report stated that the committee had not yet had time to frame a report on the subject of electric lighting, but was having plans prepared showing the buildings with the new wards and Nurses' Home included. The plans previously prepared did not show these. The matter would involve some delay, as it might be expedient to forward the plans, when prepared, to Messrs Holmes and Co., of Newcastle -on - Tyne, that firm having prepared the former estimate. The committee had received a very full report as to the nursery staff from the matron and house-surgeon in reply to , its request that the matron would send in recommendations for filling vacancies thereon. The report is of so important a nature that the committee decided to lay it before the Board for its consideration. Tenders for supplies for the ensuing year should now be called. The committee asked authority for doing so, and to accept tenders subject to the approval of the Board. The house surgeon's report stated that during the month of January 102 patients had been admitted, 98 discharged, 5 died, leaving 93 remaining on Jan. 31. The causes of death were — 1, Bright's disease ; 3, heart disease ; 5, cancer of tongue ; 2, Bright's disease; 4, urethra! stricture. Thirty-five operations had been performed under anaesthetics. Three hundred and six patients had been attended at the outpatient department. The Matron reported that Miss Gerrie and Miss Beck had completed their three months' trial, had passed their preliminary examination, and were recommended to be placed on the honorary staff as probationers at £S per annum. „ An extension of time was granted to the House Committee to prepare a report on the subject of electric lighting.