H.—3l.

PART IV.—HOSPITALS. I have the honour to submit the annual report of the Division of Hospitals. The provision under the social-security legislation of hospital benefits, which came into force on Ist July, 1939, lias accentuated the shortage of hospital accommodation which has been evident for some years. That the majority of the Hospital Boards of the Dominion have made efforts to overcome this shortage of accommodation is shown by the extensive list of hospital buildings which have been either commenced or planned, and which has kept the Division very busy during the year. Fire-escapes.—The provision of adequate fire-escapes and fire-alarm systems has continued during the year and many institutions have now been satisfactorily equipped in this respect. Tuberculosis. —The necessity of providing more accommodation for tuberculosis has been discussed with those Boards in whose districts there is a large Maori population. The Boards concerned view the matter sympathetically, and it is hoped that during the coming year progress will be made in the erection of the necessary annexes. Hospital Building Activities. Southland Hospital Board. Kew Hospital.- The roof of this hospital was unfortunately damaged by fire on Ist August, 1939. Great credit is reflected on the staff by the manner in which the patients and equipment were saved, and the main hospital activities transferred to the Dee Street Hospital. The infirmary patients from the Dee Street Hospital were transferred to the old infirmary buildings, which had been closed for over two years. It was decided to reroof the building with " Fibrolite," concealed by a parapet. Opportunity was taken to strengthen the building. This work is now in progress. Tuberculosis Annexe. —This building was renovated and occupied during the year. A workshop was erected and extensions were made to the laundry building. Riverton Hospital. —Considerable improvements have been effected. A new laundry and mortuary have been completed. Vincent Hospital Board. The new hospital at Cromwell was occupied during the year. Improvements to the Clyde Hospital have been carried out. Waipiata Sanatorium Committee. —Additional nurses' bedrooms and other small buildings were finished during the year, and a house is in process of building for the Secretary. South Otago Hospital Board. Balclutha Hospital.—Additions to the Nurses' Home are being built, and plans have been prepared for a new children's ward, new stores and teaching blocks, and a new dispensary. Otago Hospital Board. Dunedin Hospital.—New X-ray equipment was purchased for Dunedin Hospital. A squash court was erected. Additions to the Nurses' Home at Dunedin Hospital are in hand. Land was purchased for future out-patients and massage departments. A gymnasium is being erected. Plans are under consideration to extend the X-ray Department, and build two new wards above it. Waitaki Hospital Board. Oamaru Hospital.—A Medical Superintendent's residence is being built. Plans have been agreed upon for two new awards, new massage, X-ray, out-patients, and operating theatre departments ; also a new boiler-house, laundry, and additions to the Nurses' Home. South Canterbury Hospital Board. Timaru Hospital.—A building was purchased as accommodation for nurses. Plans for a new kitchen have been agreed upon. New X-ray equipment has been purchased. Ashburton Hospital Board. A Medical Superintendent's residence is in course of erection. North Canterbury Hospital Board. Christchurch Hospital—Additions to the Nurses' Home are proceeding. New X-ray equipment was purchased for Christchurch Hospital and Cashmere Sanatorium. The final plans and specifications for the subsidiary hospital are being prepared. Additions were made to the Rangiora Hospital. The Kaiapoi Hospital was purchased and added to. Grey Hospital Board. Greymouth Hospital. —The tuberculosis block has been completed. Buller Hospital Board. Plans have been prepared for additions to the Kawatiri Hospital. Further consideration lias been given to plans for Nurses' Home, operating theatre, and other additions to the Westport Hospital.

4—H. 31.

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