HOSPITAL MATTERS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 24, 13 September 1946, Page 5

HOSPITAL MATTERS

SEPTEMBER MEETING OF BOARD RENOVATIONS & PAINTING The September meeting of the Whakatane Hospital Board took place yesterday, Mr J. Mullins presiding. Present Messrs. H. C. McCready, F. Burt, C. A. Suckling, L. Buddie, J. A. Mitchell, J. P. Caulfield and A. McGougan. Dr. E. T. Dawson and the Secretary (Mr F. Prideaux) were also in attendance.

The two members of the Visiting 'Committee, Messrs. C. A. Suckling and L. Buddie, reported that they had no complaints to report. Most of the patients were most glowing in their expressions of appreciation •of the service—one man stating that he felt he owed a debt of gratitude to members of the nursing -staff all his life. They recommended a certain amount of painting and reconditioning. Messrs. F. Burt and J. P. Caulfield were appointed the new visiting committee. Referring to the painting, the chairman said that he felt there was so much of this needed at the institution and its adjoining properties, that it was necessary to refer the whole matter to an architect for surveying the whole job by covering all that was needed to be. done by way of specification and tenders. The whole matter would be considered shortly.

Coal Supplies A discussion on the coal shortage which at times had left the hospital reserves very low, was mentioned by the chairman following the engineer’s report. Whilst never being actually out of coal, he said, the -shortage had caused considerable concern.

A motion by Mr Mitchell that the Minister should be contacted was withdrawn in favour of an amendment by Mr Buddie that the position . be closely watched by the chairman and secretary and that the Minister be contacted only when the position actually warranted it. i Storeman’s Report The Storeman-Head Porter’s rep o r t mentioned brochures issued by the Auckland Hospital Board for the purpose of enticing employees to Auckland and in which it was shown that in addition to amenities, there was also provision for an annual holiday of 28 days on full pay.. The circular had been discussed by members of the staff who desired to see similar benefits introduced in Whakatane. It was also stated that the staff was meeting once each month for the purpose, of discussing hospital matters and making representations to the Board. It was hoped that all these suggestions would be taken in the same friendly spirit in which they were proffered. Other suggestions were that waterproof outfits be supplied for use in wet weather .and that better sitting room facilities be made available.

The whole report was referred' to the Finance and Works Committees for consideration of their respective responsibilities.

Monthly Statistics

The following figures for the month of August were submitted by the Medical Superintendent: Patients in hospital at August 1, 98 (43 male, 55 females); admissions 39 (45, 94); discharges 134 (43, 91); deaths 7 (3, 4); in hospital at end of August 96 (42, 54); births 34 (17, 17); operations performed 44 (9 major, 45 minor). The daily average occupied beds in hospital was 97.68. Surgical Boot Supply A letter from the Tauranga Hospital Board enquired as to whether the Whakatane Board would be willing to share in the establishment of a surgical bootmaker for crippled children in the Bay of Plenty area: It was- hoped to link up with Opotiki in a three-board scheme whereby a permanent man could be employed. After a brief discussion it was decided to write forwarding the number of possible patients in the Whakatane area and further the approximate extent of the financial assistance expected. Pasteurised Milk Supply A quotation from Mr H. Farnworth to supply pasteurised milk for use at the hospital at the rate of 1/9 per gallon, an increase of 3d per gallon on the old price. The milk under the new scheme would be sealed in glass containers ready for consumption. The Board decided.-to "purchase its full supply from Mr Farnworth. The quantity for kitchen use to be in bulk and the balance in sealed glass containers.