ISOLATION BLOCK

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 220, 17 September 1936, Page 3

ISOLATION BLOCK

WANGANUI HOSPITAL NEW BUILDING REQUIRED DECISION AT BOARD MEETIN(I The urgent need for a new isolation block for the Wanganui Public Hospital was stressed at yesterday h monthly meeting of the board wnen the chairman (Mr. W. E. Broderick) reported on a recent deputation wnich waited on the Minister ut Health. (Hon. P. r laser) and the Department of Health in Wellington. The deputation comprised the cnairman, Mr. W. J. Rogers, the medical superintendent (Dr. H.L. Widdowson) and the managing-secretary (Mr. L. V. Kerby). Following a discussion at yesterday’s meeting, Mr. Rogers moved that the erection of the new isolation block be proceeded with. “The Department ol Health and Dr. Widdowson are of the opinion that the first essential is a new isolation block, and 1 think every member ot this board is of the same opinion,” said Mr. Broderick. “Unfortunately a mild outbreak of diphtheria is prevalent just now. We have 19 cases in the insitution and it has been necessary to open Reid Ward. It is recommended that a 32-block ward be erected to replace the old building. The last plan pi epared was for a brick building, but the department and the medical superintendent are of the opinion that a wooden structura would be more suitable. “So far as the new theatre block is concerned, Dr. Widdowson’s ideas are much more moderate than what we agreed to on the £23,000 basis. 1 think in the meantime that an isolation block should take preference over all other building requirements,” Dr. Widdowson added. Mr. A. S. Coleman (Rangitikei): You think this block is more essential than the proposed alterations. Dr. Widdowson, who was present, stressed the necessity of the new block from the medical point of view. Mr. Rogers, in moving that the erection of the new block be proceeded with, said he was anxious that the lives of the inmates be protected. He felt sure this isolation block was necessary to the welfare of the hospital. Miss U. A. Newcombe: Ten yearl ago I fought for this and 1 am glad to see it coming true. Mr. Broderick: To make as good and as cheap a job as possible is our aim. Mr. T. C. Kincaid moved a vote of thanks to the deputation which visited Wellington. He expressed the opinion that this deputation had done very good work and felt that the board was indebted to those members who visited Wellington. The motion was carried.