REQUIREMENTS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 249, 13 December 1940, Page 5

REQUIREMENTS

USE OF TEMPORARY HOSPITAL PART IN EMERGENCY PRECAUTIONS SCHEME "The only alteration I have to suggest is that the temporary hospital should be at the main school instead of at the infant; school, as apart from the great- > er space provided there are cook ing facilities installed," said the Medical Superintendent of the Whakatane Hospital, Dr. E. Tewsley Dawson, at the meeting of the Emergency Precautions; Committee. Dr Dawson said that with the additions now under way the school could pro-< vide accommodation for 70-75 beds in the event of an emer| gency arising. Requirements for the temporary hospital were listed by the Medical Superintendent as follows: — The ambulance and three trucks, witli drivers for each. Sixteen fit men for first aid squads, these being divided into groups of four, one group to each vehicle. It was advisable that the men should have had first aid training. ,

Eight porters, or male medical orderlies, would be required, with an additional four for the main hospital and lour clerks, for records and inventory ' taking, were also necessary. Regarding the nursing staff, Dr. Dawson said that about 45 would be required. However, he anticipated no difficulty on that score. There were many trained nurses in the district whose services would be available and there were other women with home nursing qualification. The idea of the scheme, said Dir. Dawson, was that all casualties would be taken to the temporary hospital, where Dr. Appleby would act as Clearing Officer. The reason for that move was the conservation of valuable bed accommodation :it the main hospital, to which only the serious cases -would be admitted for surgical attention. Dr r Dawson added that he thought there would be no trouble with the operation of the scheme as outlined.

Equipment. Discussing equipment, Dr. Dawson said that in the event of a major disaster about fifty beds would be required in addition to those on hand at present. Sixty mattresses; 3 pairs each of sheets and blankets (in summer 2 pairs would be sufficient), 6 pillow cases and 4 pillows for each bed; at least 50 hotwater bottles and 25-30 enamel wash basins Cooking utensils required would include 3 electric ranges, in addition to those now at the school; one large (or two small) refrigerator; 4 large and 6 small aluminium pots; 4 kettles; 4 pie dishes. Cutlery: Eight dozen each of knives, forks, dessert spoons and forks, and teaspoons. Crockery: Ten dozen each of plates, cups and saucei's. This list, said Dr. Dawson, covered the main essentials.