NURSING SCHEME

Evening Star, Issue 22463, 7 October 1936, Page 7

NURSING SCHEME

MEDICAL FACILITIES FDR GREEN ISLAND COUNCIL DISCUSSES PROPOSAL The decision to hold a meeting on November 10 of representatives from local firms and persons interested to discuss the question of providing nursing and medical facilities in the district was decided at a meeting of the Green Island Borough Council last evening. It was stated that people had to travel to Dunedin to obtain medical attention, and that the want for a nurse or a doctor in the borough had been felt for a long time. The Mayor introduced the subject by saying that a gathering had been held in conjunction with the St. John Ambulance Association to discuss the position. The estimated cost of having a district nurse in the borough would be approximately £3OO. Although it would be practically impossible for the council to support a nurse, the need for proper Facilities was groat. He thought the Government, with its national health scheme, might do something, or, alternatively, they could canvass local firms for money, to which the council could contribute a substantial sum. Cr Dickenson said that the cost would come out at about sixpence a head a week for each person in the borough. The council had a certain obligation as far as the health of the community was concerned, and they should certainly do something to further the scheme. Cr Tomkins suggested that a comprehensive meeting of all persons in the borough be held to tackle the subject. After other councillors had spoken, it was pointed out that there was a good position in the borough for a doctor, attending to about 2,500 people. At the present time people had to go to Dunedin for attention.

Cr Dickenson moved that representatives of the council wait on local lodges, with a view to stimulating discussion at the proposed meeting, and that firms in Green Island be circularised. The motion was not seconded, and after discussion it was moved that 'a committee be set up to go into the question and report to the council. The motion was seconded by Cr Pringle. Cr M'Gregor moved an amendment that a general meeting be held to discuss the question, the amendment being seconded by Cr Russell, and carried. The date for the meeting was fixed for November 10.