ON THE PLAINS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 05, Issue 71, 29 June 1942, Page 5

ON THE PLAINS

RANGITAIKI E.P.S.O,

WORK OF MEDICAL SECTION

At the conference of E.P.S. Avardens recently the Rangiatiki Warden, Mr W. A. McCracken, reported as under with reference to the work of the Medical Section:— "In regard to the work of the Medical Section of the Rangitaiki E.P.S.O. I wish to report that as a result of discussion with the H.G. Commanders in our area it was decided that it would be inadvisable to establish Casualty Clearing Stations within the coastal area. With this in view avc decided to prepare for a 40 lied hospital at the Edge-# cumbe School ami a 20 bed hospital at the Tc Teko School. We have been successful in having three trained nurses with Mrs Hawken as Matron appointed to Edgecumbe and two trained nurses with Mrs Hutton as Matron appointed to Te Teko. Upon - the recommendaiton of Dr. Appleby and the trained nurses a comprehensive range of essential medical supplies has been purchased from County E.P.S. funds. These arc stored in suitable cupboards at each hospital. Splints, stretchers and First Aid kits have been placed at suitable locations throughout our district. Goods to be transported in the case of an emergency included 90 tons of stores, 40 tons of flour and 60 tons of personal goods, the last mentioned representing in the main groceries, blankets and camp gear. Road patrols and pickets had been appointed for all roads and stores respectively. Food Supplies: Householders have been constantly reminded to retain adequate reserves. The organisation has reached a standard where the Accommodation, Evacuation and Supplies Section could effectively carry out their duties in the event of an evacuation being ordered, subject to there being sufficient trucks and drivers to transport stores.