MATERNITY HOME.

Western Star, 5 July 1921, Page 3

MATERNITY HOME.

A special meeting of the Otautau District Progressive League was held on Saturday evening to discuss the advisability of a maternity homo for Otautau, there being present:—Messrs A. N. Holmes (chairman), O. N. Lawless, G. Sinclair, J. Seatter, P. Beggs, G. H. Stevens Wm. Walker, M. L. Thomson, Jno. Fisher, E. Harrington, A. Harrington and T. A. Mooney. Dr Stewart, ' who was present by invitation of the League, explained the position as follows: —Owing to an amendment iu the Public Health Act, 1920, the Public Health Department, through Hospital Boards were empowered to establish maternity homeß. A home would consist of three or four beds with one bed for emergency oases outride maternity. Dr McGibbon strongly recommended a home for Otautau. The Public Health Department had relieved the position to a certain extent by sending a District Nunse. The Department recognised the need for a home in Otautau and was keen on getting one. Local boards all over New Zealand were being urged to eetablish maternity homes. A similar home had been established in Cromwell, and was provided and maintained! by the hospital board. It had proved a great benefit and those concerned would not now give it up.-'“"'A standard fee wae charged, and the home paid its way. Mr Buckingham, of the hospital board, had been opposed .to bringing a district nurse, as he did not then understand the position, and thought the authorities ] had gone past the Board in the matter. Since an explanation had been made Mr Buckingham had recognised the urgent need for a nuns©. He bad promised that if the people of Otautau wished for a home, and asked fer one, he would give his help. After some discussion as to what should be done it was decided that the hospital board be aisked to provide a maternity home in Otautau, and that a .petition eigped by the publio he forwarded to the board. Mr Lawless said the position should! be made quite clear to the public, and it wae dpcided to have an explanation mjide to the public after the Choral Society’s entertainment on Tuesday night/ • Dr Stewart and Messrs Kelly and Fisher were appointed to have the petition drawn up and circulated. Dr Stewart naid that it was un- . fortunate tfiat if we got a maternity home we would Jose the district nurse who has been doing very good! work during the time Bhe has been here. However, he considered the hospital was the most urgent need. The nurse was very anxious to see the home established and would render every assistance. Mr Sinclair asked whether the services of th© .nurse would be retained if the district guaranteed her salary, and' J>r Stewart answering in the affirmative it .was decided that the matter be considered at the next meeting of the League. The Doctor suggested that a Home Help Service he inaugurated to help patients who wish to take advantage of the home, but who have no domestic help for. their own family.— It was decided that this matter be considered later.

The Secretary was instructed to write to Mr Buckingham explaining what wae being done and asking for his support. .