CHARGE OF CONTROL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16641, 25 January 1922, Page 6

CHARGE OF CONTROL.

DEFENCE DEPARTMENT TO BOARD. ARTIFICIAL LIMBS AND SPLINTS. Transfer of the splint and artificial limb department from the control of the Defence Department to that of the North Canterbury Hospital Board was approved by the board to-day. The Hospital Committee reported that meetings had taken place between representatives of the committee with Major Penlington and General Sir D. M’Gavin, with the result that the board was recommended to approve the transfer of the departments tq the board’s control on the following terms: —

1 The board will make splints required for the hospital, for the Defence Department, and also for medical practitioners and others if there is a demand. 2. (a) The board will supply the Defence Department with standard splints at prices in accordance with the Deparatment’s price list, which took effect as from October 1. 1920. (b) Plaster work, surgical boots and special appliances not included in the price list will bo charged to the Department aft cost of labour, plus material, plus 50 per cent, (c) The above arrangement concerning prices shall be revived at the end of twelve months should either the board or the Department- so desire, in order to determine whether tlio charges are reasonable. 3 (a) Tlie board will undertake the manufacture and repair of artificial limbs for the Department, ancl will offer employment to such of the present workmen as may be required. (b) The hoard will provide necessary materials for this purpose, the Department undertaking to assist the board as far as possible by supplying from the Wellington factory any special parts required. (c) All charges in connection with the artificial limb workshop shall be refunded to the board by the Defence Department, together with a supervision charge of 10 per cent. 4. (a) That the board agrees that li service ” patients attending the artificial limb workshop ancf in receipt of su'bsistent allowance -from the Defence Department while so attending, will be given preference in order of treatment so as to minimise the cost to the Department, (b) That the board will arrange that the A.D.M.S., Christchurch, be notified of the dates for which “ service ” amputees attending the artificial limb workshop are entitled to their subsistence allowance. Mr W. E. Leadley said the hoard heed have no fear of losing money over the change. He thought the Departhient should become a permanent dition to the hospital. The report was adopted.