GREY HOSPITAL BOARD.

Grey River Argus, 22 February 1927, Page 3

GREY HOSPITAL BOARD.

The ordinary meeting of the Grey Hospital Board was held last evening. Present: Messrs J. W. Hannan (Chairman), F. Williams, E. Ashton, J. Brisbane, W. H. Parfitt, and G. R. Harker

The Matron reported that during the month, the annual inventory of the Hospital and Old People’s Home has beeh in progress and is almost completed. The linen in both institutions is in very satisfactory order. Several articles need renewing in the wards and a list of requirements has been drawn up for the Board’s approval. Wardsmaids Cole and Bell took up duty during the month in place of Misses F. Vincent and F. Murdoch. Miss P. Mitchell, who has been off on sick leave, will resume duty on Wednesday. Mrs Griffen is acting as relieving laundress. Now that the Nurses’ Home is almost ready for occupation, the services of an extra general are required, and this appointment is recommended to the Board.— The report was received, and it was resolved that the goods asked for be authorised, and that the Matron also obtain a general maid for the Nurses’ Home at a wage of 35/- weekly. The Matron ot 1 * Rewa Maternity Hospital reported as follows:— Patients admitted since January 31st, 14, discharged 12, births 13. Remaining in hospital at present, ten patients and seven infants.

The Medical Superintendent (Dr J. F. C. Moore) reported that the number of patients admitted to the Hospital during the month was 69, discharged 56, died 5. Remaining in hospital at date: Males 40; females 21; in Old People’s Home, males 39, females 7; total 107. The name of Dr. Theodora Easterfield, of Nelson, had been forwarded by Dr. Stevens as a suitable officer for | the position of Resident Medical Officer for the Grey Hospital. After consultation with the Chairman, Dr. Easterfield was communicated with. She expects to commence her duties next week, her arrival being delayed by illness. Regarding the hospital staffing, a necessary requirement was the appointment of a House Sister to act also as sub-matron, and to take charge of the dispensary. The arrangement, hitherto, I has been that the sub-matron acted as theatre sister and dispenser. During the last twelve or eighteen months, the arrangement had not worked effectively owing to the heavy duties in the theatre. It will be necessary to appoint :l House Sister. The position is one of authority and seniority and the Sister appointed should act at Matron’s Assistant. The Hospital is understaffed as far as nursing goes, and this is felt in the Matron’s division. She has no one at present to whom can be deputed the visits of inspection which need to be made daily, and which suffer at present owing to the Matron having to assist in the theatre. It was recommended that, with the money in hand, the asphalting around the Old People’s Home could be put in hand. The report was received, and it was resolved that the recommendations be i given effect to. A tender was received from Mr P. Mitchell for the removal of the old building, which was portion of the Old People’s Home, at £BO.

Mr John Drake submitted an offer of £lO for the building, which was accepted. Dr Moore (Resident Superintendent) wrote advising his acceptance of the isolation ward, and offering to pay rental if the Board desired it.—Approv Mr F. Longshaw, Foreman of Works, reported that the erection of the Nurses’ Home was completed and that the contractor could receive payment for the balance of the contract, morn or less percentage to be retained in terms of the contract, and the amount due for sand and cartage of sand.— The letter was received and the recommendation adopted. The Post and Telegraph Department advised ihat the telephone charges at the new Nurses’ Home would be .at the ordinary household rate through the exchange. If the telephone were connected through the Hospital the charge would be much less. It was decided t n the motion of the Chairman, to have

direct tciephor.ic communication suppli< d to the new Home. Mr Parfitt advised that the Duke and Duchess of York would be unable to visit the ‘Hospital whilst in Greymouth, owing to having already a very busv dav.

It was resolved on the recommendation of the Finance Committee that the Borough Engineer be asked to furnish a report on the suitability of tar-sealing the paths round the Old People’s Home, Messrs Harker and the Medical Superintendent being appointed a committee to go into this matter. It was decided on Mr Parfitt's motion, to request the Minister of Health to perform the ceremony of opening the new Nurses Home.