WAIPUKURAU HOSPITAL

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 122, 18 May 1932, Page 8

WAIPUKURAU HOSPITAL

MEDICAL SUPEBINDENT SUBMITS MONTHLY REPORT Dr J. L. Recd, Medical Superintendent, reported as follows to the Waipawa Hospital Board which mot today:— “During the month 72 were admitted to Hospital, of whom 40 were males und 32 females. There were discharged 64, of whom 36 were males and 28 females. There was one death —a female, leaving 82 in 'Hospital on the

night of the 30th April, of. which 50 were males and 32 females. Of this number 8 were in isolation and 3 in the Rathbone Annexe. The daily average of occupied beds for the month was 75. There were 17 patients who have been inmates of the Hospital for a period of 3 months or more, particulars of whom are given on the attached report. Surgical Operations.—There were 49 surgical operations performed in the theatre, of which 12 wore major and .87 minor. X-Ray Department.—There were 99 radiographs, taken, of which 81 were of Hospital patients and. 18 of private patients. Surgery and Dispensary.—l have pleasure in forwarding for your Board’s perusal a letter from “Aspro” Limited, in which the firm confirms a. very generous offer to this Hospital by. their representative sdme days ago. The firm has undertaken to provide us, gratis, with all the Aspirin tablets that we require, in our daily work, for a year, or until the present depression has passed, and the first monthly consignment of 250 tablets (which was the amount of my estimate) has already reached us. It is so rare to meet with such generosity in the business world that I must confess I frankly asked the firm’s representative where the catch was, but I was soon quite ■assured that the offer was genuinely made with the object of helping the hospitals through the period of depression. The name “Aspro’’ is a tradeterm for this firm’s preparation of A.spirin, and it is in every respect a. first grade product; so from a financial point of view alone, and. apart from the generous feeling that prompted the idea, the gift is a very valuable one, and it is one that I am sure we shall all fully appreciate.

General. —The wards have been kept steadily busy during the month, and the medical and surgical work has pro-

ceeded satisfactorily. On the motion of the chairman, sec-

ended by Mr Atkins, it was resolved 'that the “Aspro” Company be thanked for the generous offer made. Secretary’s Report I beg to submit herein my report for the month ended 30th April, 1932. The bank credit balance at the close of the period was £656 14s 3d.

Patients ’ Fees. —-These for the month total £674 10s 6d, of which £632 6s 6d represent Waipukurau Hospital fees and £42 4s Rathbone Hospital fees.

Estimates. —A sub-committee consisting of the chairman, deputy-chairman, and myself, have met twice during the month on these and tentative figures have been forwarded to the depart-

ment. Since the first schedules were brought down, further advice has been received from. Wellington regarding salaries and wages reductions, and it is sincerely hoped that some definite instruction will be received from the de-

partment in time for the meeting

However, local bodies are co-operating with the Board respecting finances, by paying their first quarter’s levies at last year’s rates and there should r *e no

necessity to go upon bank overdraft. During the month balancing has boon held up owing to our awaiting finalization of figures from the departm-uit and the revision of patients fees accounts has been proceeded with, schedules being now ready for supervision .by the finance committee before placing in the hands of the collector. Firewood Supplies.—The tender of Mr Mauldor, of Waipawa for the supply of 25 cords of black birch firenvood at £2 10s per cord delivered at the Hospital was accepted and the wood is

now arriving. Social Welfare.—There have been some applications during the month in some cases of which temporary assistance has been granted pending a definite decision by the Finance Committee.

Farm.—There is an abundance of feed at the farm and wo are able to separate once daily. I would ask permission for the engineer to erect an additional shed for the night housing of the sows which are at present run-

ning in the open. Grounds.—The engineer is at present carrying out the necessary repairs as authorised to the pergola near the nurses’ home.

Fuel Supplies.—Advice, having been received as to the possibility of trouble at the mines, additional coal supplies have been received during the month. General. —General work under my supervision has proceeded satisfactorily during the month. —P. R. 'Smyrk (Secretary)

Report of Engineer I have to report the coal consumption for the month of April to be 34.78 tons. Coal consumption for April last year was 31 tons. Electricity consumed, February and March. —Lighting, heating and laundry motor at a cost of £4O 5s 7d. Steam has been on the laundry 14L} working hours; last year 142-1 working hours. Steam Heaters. —Steam has been on women’s ward heaters 30 days, last year 21 days. Steam has been on children’s ward 30 days, last year 30 days. Painting Contract. —The contractor finished the contract on 22nd Aprii. On Sth April I signed a note for progress payment certificate for £lOO, and on 23rd April a note for the remainder of the contract price. The usual maintenance work has been caricd out, including an alteration to the steam pipe of the women’s ward heating system. This appears to have minimised the water hammers in the heaters complained of. F. HEASMAN.