PATIENTS INCREASING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 221, 19 September 1941, Page 7

PATIENTS INCREASING

WAIOURU MILITARY CAMP HOSPITAL ACCOMMODATION WANGANUI BOARD'S PLANS Apart from cooking facilities, which have yet to be installed, the emergency hospital prepared by the Wanganui Hospital Board at the Marton Racecourse could be ready’ for occupation in four hours, reported the board's architect, Mr. C. Newton Hood, at the monthly meeting yesterday.

The chairman, Mr. W. E. Broderick (Maxwell), said the number of military patients from Waiouru was increasing. Twenty were admitted on Wednesday, 40 were expected that day, and a further 40 on the following day. “We might have to open the emergency’ hospital at Marton in the near future, but we don’t want to do that if it can be avoided," the chairman added.

After the position had been explained by the medical superintendent. Dr. H. L. Widdowson. the board appointed a committee consisting of Dr. Widdowson, the matron. Miss M. J. Hunter, and the managing-secre-tary. Mr. L. V. Kerby, the architect Mr. Hood, and a member of the board. Mr. R. G. Taiboys, was appointed to visit the Wanganui Health Camp to ascertain what equipment was available. Should the necessity arise, the health camp will be taken over for use as an emergency hospital. Dr. Widdowson said 180 patients could be accommodated at the Marton Racecourse if necessary. “We are getting such a mixed bag of infection now that we have to sort the patients out.” he added. “We don't want to go to Marton if we can help it. The emergency hospital in St. Paul’s Hall is still in use. but some of the patients now coming in can be accommodated in the main hospital here.” Mr. Hood said the question of cooking facilities at the Marton Racecourse had to be considered. The present range was beyond repair. When the health camp at Gonville was mentioned. Mrs. J. J. Scott said beds and bedding were available there, also cooking facilities and a staff cottage.

In reply to Mrs. Scott, Dr. Widdowson said ’ 40 beds were available at the health camp. The camp buildings could be used as they had been vacant for several months. Mr. A. S. Coleman (Rangitikeii said the hoard should look at the buildings with a view to their being used as an emergency hospital if necessary.

The chairman: The board has power, under the Emergency Precautions Act. to take any of those buildings if they’ are needed. The board agreed to an inspection being made of the health camp facilities, and the question of cooking facilities at the Marton Racecourse will also be considered, with a view to opening the hospital there is required.