SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENtS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 96, 10 August 1945, Page 5

SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENtS

FURTHER HOSPITAL EXPENDITURE INSPECTOR'S RECOMMENDATIONS Described by members as 'the atomic bomb' a list of proposed! additions) to f and equipment for the Whakatane Hosuital as recommended by the Nurse Inspector from the Health Department? came before the Board yesterday for its consideration. The report on the hospital mentioned that the institution was very overcrowded and recommendations were as; under:— (1) When children's ward established should be mad c to include milk room and nursery with- more fitted hand basins. (2) At least 'M) more rooms required for nurses' accommodation and in the- event of outside accommodation being, available trained •staff and not pupil nurses should live out. (3) At least ten more nurses and two R.Ns. will be needed when the new ward is opened. (4) Engagement, of a Home Sister to supervise the domestics is needed.

(5) A better sitting room for Sisters is urgently required. (6) A better furnished sitting room is needed for the domestic cottage. (7) A sitting room should also be provided for maternity trainees. The need for nurses accommoda-j Hon was described as urgent. Kitchen: With regard to this department it was stated that when the new kitchen was completed and remodelled the equipment should be improved by , the installation of a new electric potato peeler a Hobart cake-mixer, with other necessary appliances for mincing vegetable cut* ting and meat and bread slicer. Laundry: The present staff of •eight could be reduced by the inclusion of suitable labour-saving ■machinery. Assistance could be provided by the inclusion of a modern body press and two small steam liress. Stores: The present store accommodation is scattered and inadc-, quate and it is. recommended that the Board consider the provision of '•one central store, where 'a storekeeper with proper office accommodation would carry out proper supervision of this department. His ■duties would include the receiving and issuing of all stores and equipment and the preparation of the necessary records. He would undertake the supervision of the porter's work i and attend to the general condition < ■of maintenance of buildings and ; cleanliness of the grounds and out- ; buildings etc. 1

In his covering letter the Director- ' General of Health urged the Board to agree to the recommendations of the inspector's.

Mr McCready said he favoured the installation of any labour-saving '.devices as. it was a definite financial investment. The question of increased accommodation was however quite out of the question.

Mr Burt favoured the construction of a store room.

The recommendations were so substantial said the chairman, that they could not be considered by the Board at the present meeting. On his •motion it was decided to have a typed copy sent to all members for their consideration before the next meeting when the suggestions could be discussed more fully and ,after careful thought.