HOSPITAL AFFAIRS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 200, 23 August 1929, Page 10

HOSPITAL AFFAIRS

MEETING OF BOARD WIRELESS AT JUBILEE HOME The monthly meeting of the Wanganui Hospital Board was held on Wednesday, Dr. Skerman presiding. There were also present Dr. Molly Christie, Airs Al. Siddells, and Messrs T. H* Battle, R. Earley, A. S. Coleman, G. E. Anderson, A. B. Harris, W. E.’ Broderick, W. J. Rogers, and J. P. Aidridge. The House Committee submitted the following recommendations:— That the matter of warmer clothing for the inmates of the Jubilee Home, be left in the hands of the chairman of the Board and the managing secretary. That the inmates of the Jubilee Home be granted two late nights per week in order that they may listen to the wireless. That the verandah at the doctor’s residence be glassed in, such work to be done by the Board’s carpenter at an estimated cost of £22. That the Board’s architect proceed with the plan as submitted by him, for extensions to the Jubilee Home. With regard to the cottage to be built at the Jubilee Home, the committee cannot agree as to who should build this, the architect or the Board’s carpenter, and the committee refer the matter back to the Board to decide. Some discussion arose out of the recommendation that the inmates of the Jubilee Home be granted two late nights a week to listen to the wireless. Dr. Skerman moved an amendment that the matter bo referred to the manager of the home. Airs Siddells said that the old people had their rights and as they had made a request to sit up late their wishes should be acceded to. On the motion of Mr Broderick it was finally decided that the old people be allowed two late nights a week up to nine o’clock and, in the event of any special programme, th e matter of staying up later be left to the discretion of the manager of the home. The question of the cottage to be built at the Jubilee Home was held over. It was decided to send the plan for extensions to th 0 home to the Health Department for approval. Hospital Statistics The medical superintendent reported that at the beginning of July 94 males and 61 females were in the hospital. During the month 124 males and 96 females were admitted; 111 males and 93 females were discharged; 8 males and one female died; and 99 males and 63 females remained in the institution at the end of the month. The Jubilee Home had been visited and the health of the inmates found to b e satisfactory. The radiologist reported that during July 77 in patients and 51 out patients were examined by X-ray; one in patient and 17 out patients were treated with X-ray; and four in patients and five out patients were treated with radium.

The social welfare officer’s report disclosed that, on July 1, 1929, there were 127 cases standing. Thirty-one new cases were dealt with during the month, the causes of distress being unemployment 23, insufficient earnings one, sickness four, widowhood one, deertion one and imprisonment one. Seventeen cases were terminated during the month and 37 casuals were assisted. A total of 159 visits were made during July. The medical superintendent of the Taihape Hospital reported that the number of patients in the hospital on July 1 was 34. During the month 43 were admitted, and 47 were discharged, leaving 30 in the hospital at the end of the month. Five major and 11 minor operations were performed. The report of the Matron of the Raetihi Hospital stated that at the beginning of July there were two patients in the institution. Fourteen were admitted during the month, and 12 were discharged, leaving four at the end of the month. Three minor operations were performed. The bank balances were as follows: General account (credit) £5OOl 17s sd; loan account (debit) £8400; treasurer’s advance account (credit) £46 2s 7d. It was decided that repairs be effected to the Marton District Nursing League’s car.