THE NEW HOSPITAL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8996, 5 December 1907, Page 5

THE NEW HOSPITAL.

The new Masterton Hospital building is now completed, with the exception oi ! the fittings and a few minor details, and will be formally opened on Thursday next by the Hon. G. Fowlds. Minister in charge of Hospitals. It is not expected, however, that the institution will be occupied until the beginning of the new year. The building is divided into three wings., The main one, and by far the largest, contains the quarters of the matron and nurses, the kitchen, laundry, and accommodation for the general house staff. The other wings are at the northern end, and contain the male and female wards. The main wing is separated from the others by a spacious and well-lighted corridor. Altogether there are four wards designed to accommodate twenty-six patients. The principal ward for males contains twelve beds and the main ward for women has accommodation for eight patients, while ths other tvyo wards, which can accommodate three patients in each, are reserved for special cases. All the wards are well lighted and ventilated, and each one is fitted up with heat radiators as well as a small cupboard for each patient to keep his or her clothes in. The bathrooms, lavatories and linenpresses are situated conveniently near the wards, and are modelled on the latest principles. The nursing staff are particularly well catered for in the matter of accommodation. The senior nurses have each a room to themselves, while every two junior nurses or probationers will share a room. Each room is wellappointed. All these rooms are situated on the second floor of the west wing and are away from the patients. The kitchen, laundry, and washhouse, and drying rooms are at the east end of the building, and are provided with every convenience. In the kitchen there are two ranges, one of which is operated by fire and the other by gas. From the former the hot water supply is drawn. The drying rooms are heated by radiators,' and will bo used to dry the bed linen and other clothes in wet weather. The operating theatre has not yet been furnished, but it is understood that it will be fitted with all modern conveniences necessary for such a hospital. The matron has not yet gone into the matter of the staff that will be required in the new building, but it is thought that about nine nurses will be required. One thing the matron considers certain is that two nurses will be required for night duty instead of one as is the case in the present hospital.

CABLE Nli'WS.

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