MATERNITY PATIENTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 224, 21 September 1945, Page 4

MATERNITY PATIENTS

PROBLEM IN WANGANUI HOSPITAL BOARD’S MOVE ACQUIRING PRIVATE HOME. As negotiations for the purchase of the privately-owned Cairnbrae maternity hospital have not made any headway the Wanganui Hospital Board has decided to acquire the premises under the Public Works Act. This action was endorsed at the board’s monthly meeting yesterday, when the urgent need for maternity accommodation being provided in the city was aga n discussed. Ministerial approval of the purchase of Picardy, another private home which is closing down, has been received. On the motion of the chairman, Mr. D. D. Simpson (Hunterville) the board also decided to a deputation to Wellington anl request that the Government bear the full cost of providing the new 40-bed maternity block which is to be built at the Wanganui Hospital. The chairman suggested that if this course was adopted the new block would become a training centre for maternity nurses.

“There is no doubt acJ far as maternity accommodation in Wanganui is concerned, that this board is in a proper jam,” said the chairman. “This position has grown almost overnight. We did not anticipate it in any way and it has come as a bolt from "the blue. In a matter of weeks, this board must provide maternity accommodation.’

Mr. A. S. Coleman (Marton): Are we going to take this in committee. The chairman: No, this matter has been bandied about the town so much and Ihe public is entitled to know about it. We would not be fair to the people who sent us here if we discussed this behind closed doors.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Nordmeyer) had already approved of the board purchasing Picardy and the question of financing the scheme would have to be considered. The boards valuer had valued the Picardy build ng at £1875, and the valuer for the owners had put the figure at £225. The price would be somewhere between that, and the owners had said that they were prepared to abide by the decision of the Land Sales Committed. The board would not be required to spend more than about £lOO on the building, but furniture would have to be purchased. The position with regard to Cairnbrae was different. As negotiations were not making any headway the Minister had suggested that the board acquire the property under the Public Works Act.

“We waited on the owners yesterday, and they are definitely of the opinion that they arc closing down,” the chairman added. “They will not consider leasing the building. They are not happy regarding the future of private nursing homes and wish to get out now. They understand that our hands are being forced, but when it was announced that the board was making provision for a 30-bed maternity block, at the request of the department, they felt that new and up-to-date buildings would seriously enter into competition with private homes.”

The secretary. Mr. K. Harris, said the owners of Cairnbrae had asked £6750 for the property. The Act provided that if it were acquired a fair valuation must be paid, also compensation. In 1933 the building was valued at £lB6O but it was obviously valued as a house, not as a nursing home. The board’s valuer had valued the building at £4455 as a nursing home or guest house. Mr. T. C. Kincaid (Taihape): Does the £6750 include furniture? Mr. Harris: No. it does not. Mrs. J. J. Scott: Would they consider leasing it? The chairman: There is not the slightest doubt that they will not lease the property. “Whatever happens we must provide temporary accommodation till our new maternity block comes into being,” the chairman added. “You will recall that when we took over St. Helen’s which was a training centre for mid-wives, we did not want to take it over, but it was during the depression and the Government decided to cut down expenses.” The Government had already decided to provide a maternity centre in Christchurch. There was talk of similar action being taken nn Auckland and one or two other centres. The chairman added that he was not touching on political issues in any way, but it appeared that the present lack of accommodation was due in part to Government policy and lack cf trained nurses.

“We would be justified,” he said, “in asking the Government to bear the cost of the new maternity block, and that it be used as a training centre.” He suggested that city members of the board, together weth Mr. J. F. B. Cotterill. M.P., wait on the Minister in Wellington and make representations along these lines. “The Minister is reasonable and J think he would at least hear us and give our request some consideration,” said the chairman, moving that the Minister be approached, as sug gested. • Seconding the motion, Mr. N. Hughes (Maxwell) said that if the Government built the new block the ratepayers would be relieved. “It is a very good suggestion,” said Mr. A. P. Howard (Marton). “We are in a difficult position.” “We must make provision for expectant mothers,’’ said Mrs. J. J. Scott. “We are telling people that the board will see to it. We must honour the pledge. “I hope as much weight as possible will bp put to the representations,” said Mr. D. G. Gordon (Taihape). “It is an excellent idea, and I believe the ratepayers will think the .-ame.” said Mr. J. H. Wells. “They are becoming a bit restive.” Mr. Hughes: A bit restive? They are more than that. The chairman’s motion was carried unanimously and the board also endorsed steps already taken to acquire Cairnbrae.