WESTLAND HOSPITALS AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 December 1918, Page 4

WESTLAND HOSPITALS AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1918. The Hoard met at 7.50 p.m. Present —Messrs J. J. Breeze (chairman), G. 11. Blank, J. Cameron, L. Morel, H. Norman, G. Davidson. An apology was made for the absence of Mr. Williams. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed, and outward correspondence was approved, VOTE OF CONDOLENCE. The Chairman moved a vote of condolence to Mr. Norman in his recent bereavement and expressed his regret at the sad loss sustained by him and Mrs Norman. Seconded by Mr. Blank. Mr. Cameron supported the motion _ which was agreed to in silence. Mr. Norman suitably acknowledged the motion. Mr Blank moved that a vote of sympathy be passed to the Chairman and his family in the loss sustained of his son-in-law. Seconded by Mr Davidson and carried. The Chairman expressed his appreciation of the vote. The Chairman, moved that votes of sympathy be recorded on the deaths of Nurses Davies and Dixon, and Mrs G. J. Roberts, and that letters conveying the resolution bo forwarded to the relatives. The Chairman made a feeling reference. to the deep loss sustained by the death of these noble workers. Seconded bv Mr. Cameron and carried. IN APPRECIATION. The Chairman moved.—That this Board expresses its highest admiration and appreciation of the very admirable and excellent services rendered to those suffering during the recent influenza epidemic by the volunteer workers who so willingly and unselfishly gave to those suffering of their very best, and thereby lessened the sum ol human suffering; and were instrumental in saving human life. To all those who helped in any way even in the smallest degree we lender our grateful thanks. Also to the many estimable citizens who lent bods, bedding and anything conducive to the alleviation of sufleiing, and also tender our sincere thanks to those gentlemen who so readily and kindly lent their ears, and to those good and kindly citizens who daily sent delicacies t<> our various institutions. Jo one and all we repeat our hearty

thanks. The Chairman referred at some length to the motion, coupling the secretary (Mr. Bruce) thereto, making feeling reference of his deep appreciation of the work so splendidly carried out. Mr. Blank seconded the motion. ITe had been one of those who went down, and it had grieved him very much that he had been unable to assist as lie would like to have done. He heartily endorsed the appreciation. Mr. Davidson said he had been gratified with the loyal unselfish help of that noble hand of women. He wished to voice his deep appreciation of the magnificent work so nobly carried out. They deserved the best thanks' of the whole community.

Mr Norman supporting it said it was only those who had an inside view knew the great amount of work that had been done by that gallant hand of workers. Mr Cameron supported the motion appreciating the splendid services rendered. Mr. Morel also supported the motion which was carried unanimously.

The Chairman then read a letter from the Westland County Council conveying the motion of appreciation passed at last meeting in connection' with the recent epidemic.—Received. - In this connection the Chairman moved that the Board convey its heartiest thanks for the splendid work carried out during the recent epidemic, to the Doctor, Matron and staff of Westland Hospital and all those who had assisted at the auxiliary hospitals. He was glad indeed to find the County Council had appreciated the work done. Seconded 1)v Mr. Davidson and carried. CONSIDERATION DEFERRED.

The Chairman moved that all correspondence dealing with the epidemic be held over to ho dealt with at a special meeting of the Board to he held early in January. Mr Breeze said there were a number of matters therein which required their most careful attention and consideration. Seconded by -Mr. Blank and carried. DR TEICHELM ANN’S DEPORT

I had hoped to ho present at your meeting this evening, but having received your permission to absent myself for a few days to recuperate after an attack of quinsy, I forward you this note to ein body in writing some few things I should have liked to have spoken about at the meeting. Your Board is aware that the District and our Institution in particular has passed through a very try ing time in the past month, in consequence of tho prevalence of- a very virulent iniluenza epidemic.

This epidemic attacked not only the public of "Westland generally but it also bad its victims amongst our own nursing staff, and wo have to deplore the loss of two valuable . nurses in their third year and the health of a third one is so much impaired, that it will he a long time before her services will again be at our disposal. 1 should like to express to the Board my appreciation of the manner in which the nursing staff as well as the domestic staff" rose to the occasion and without murmur worked double the usual hours, ill their endeavour to cope with the increased amount of work and responsibility. No one spared themselves and more than half our nurses fell victims to the virulent disease.—On behalf of the matron and staff I make use of this opportunity to express their appreciation of the valuable services rendered by numerous voluntary helpers, both ladies and genetlemen. Without their assistance it- would have been impossible to have done justice to the numerous very serious cases arising from the epidemic, and this no doubt would have prolonged its prevalence. On the whole 1 think we have, reason to congratulate ourselves oil the limited number of deaths and on the recovery of a large number of serious eases. Now that tin- epidemic is practically over, we have the problem before us of purifying the wards of the Hospital, which bad to bo converted practically into one infectious block. The repainting of Munson and Ellis Wards must be provided for without undue delay as we must expect- to be able to admit the ordinary cases of sickness without their running the risk of becoming infected.

I have discussed the matter of disinfecting the bedding and blankets with -Mr. Bruce, your Secretary, and the Matron, and that I think will give us no trouble. Jt may be necessary to destroy a certain number of old mattresses which are scarcely worth the trouble of disinfecting. The nurses quarters may also require some overhauling and repairing. Some of the nurses were occupying their own quarters when they took ill, and before they recovered had to be removed to the general ward. I expect to be back at work at the end of the week in the meantime Dr. Booth is undertaking all liiy duties. From -Miss A. George, cook at Kumara Home, asking for a further weeks leave of absence.—Deceived ; and request granted.

From (!. W. Russell, Wellington stating the Board bad full-power to deal with any indigent cases of orphans rcq uiring a 11oiltion. —D cceived.

From AVaihi Borough Council suggesting stoppage for racing in the Now Year. —Received. From Miss McLean, Wellington notifying that a third year nurse was being sent. —Received. From Defence OtJice, Groymouth declining to recognise hospital charges for upkeep of live returned soldiers at Westland Hospital, suffering from influenza, as they had been discharged from service.—Received. The Chairman said lie. thought it was simply scandalous that the Government should take up such a cheeseparing attitude. The Chairman moved that application ho made direct to Sir James Allen for recognition of the account. He felt that it was a disgrace for the attitude taken up. Mr Cameron seconded the motion. He felt that it was only right that these returned soldiers should got- a square deal. Supported by Air. Davidson. 1 Air. Norman said they should toll the Minister that if he has forgotten what the men had done, then the Board had not. Supported by Air. Alorel and car-

vied. From Old Age Pensions Department Wellington, in connection with payment of old age pensions.—Received. Tlie Secretary explained the positon in dispute. It was resolved in accordafieo with the suggestion, to refer the matter to the Solicitor-General for decision. From Public Works Department, Otiru forwarding cheque for upkeep of Otira Hospital for quarter.—Received. From Grey Board, notifying admission of a. patient from At cstland district —Received. From E. Wade, Kumara. asking for particulars to be followed in forming of a medical association for the district, and what financial assistance would he given.—Received ; the Secretary to reply. „ , From blaster Kumara Home forward ing accounts and report on institution. —Received. From Sir James Allen stating he had no advice when Dr. Doctor would arrive in New Zealand.—deceived. From Hokitika Borough Council conveying resolution passed urging the securing of further medical assistance for the district.—Received. Mr Morel asked for information as to the reason why Dr. Hogg had left Hokitika so suddenly. The Chairman stated that unfortunate Iv lie had been called away before Dr. Hogg had arrived, and did not even | see him. The Secretary reported that Colonel Hogg was under military orders and owing to there be a serious shortage of doctors in Westport district, where the position was even more serious than here, he was ordered to Westport. Mr Davidson said though Dr. Hogg left early in the morning Dr. Booth had arrived a few hours earlier. Mr Davidson continued that he felt that this

largo district required more than one medical officer to do it justice. He urged that every endeavour he made to

secure another doctor. Mr Morel said lie felt that there was an urgent necessity to have further medical attendance in the district. Me felt that even Dr. Teichehnanu was not able to do as much personally now as lie used to be able to. .It was urgently necessary to obtain at least another doctor for the district. After considerable discussion in somewhat simlar strain the matter dropped. DEPORTS. The Treasurer reported receipts £412 12s Id; payments £685 11s lid; debit balance £397. Ids lid.—Deceived. Accounts amounting to £651 10s were pased for payment. 11l reply to an enquiry it was stated that Kumara Borough was £94 Os 3d in arrears of its levy. After discussion it was resolved to give the Borough 14 days final notice and if payment was not forthcoming legal proceedings must be taken to recover. From Master, Kumara Home, reporting six admissions, 3 deaths, and 3 discharged. In home 39. Reporting the staff had had a very strenuous time during the past few weeks and recommending that some recognition he given to the staff for the very heavy work and long hours entailed.—Deceived. It was resolved to pay a bonus of £5 to the Ma ster in connection with the installation of the water supply. Application for assistance to carry out necessary works were authorised. MEDICAL DEPORT. 'The Medical Superintendent reported as follows: For period Oct. Ist to 31st.—Patients in hospital Ist Oct. 32; admitted during month, 13 males. 5 females; total treated 34 males, 10 females—so. Discharged cured, 3 males, 5 females; relieved 2 males; died 4 males, 1 female; total discharged 15. Remaining in hospital 31st Oct. 25 males, 10 females —35. Til hospital for over two months. 12 males. 5 females —17.—Deceived. For period to November 31.st.—Patients in hospital on 31st Oct. 25 males, 10 females; admitted during November, ■ls males, 28 females; total treated, 70 males, 38 females.—loß. Discharged, cured. 24 males, 19 females; relieved 6 males, 2 females; died 14 males, 4 females. Total discharged 44 males, 25 females—(if!; in hospital 30th Nov. 20 males. 13 females—39. In hospital for two months. 7 males, 1 female—B. HOUSE COMMITTEE'S DEPORT. "Wo have the honour to report on Westland Hospital as follows: — Owing to the recent, epidemic the staff wore called upon to exert themselves to their fullest capacity and wo regret to state two of our esteemed nurses succumbed to the dread visitation. We do not need to recount all their heroic efforts to give the patients of their best, but would recommend the Board to acknowledge their services by voting them a special bonus. The staff having been depleted somewhat seriously we would recommend calling for appliotaions for probationers outside our own Province. In the meantime an extra nurse and one three years probationer have been engaged. Your Committee desire to express their highest appreciation to the host of voluntary workers who so willingly and unselfishly came to our assistance, and did such excellent work at the Westland Hospital, State School auxiliary, Presbytery Auxiliary, and Doss Auxiliary Hospitals and Otira, and gratefully recommend tlie Board to acknowledge their noble services by forwarding a signed appreciation of such humane self sacrifice to each individual worker,' the preparation of which we would refer to the Chairman and Secretary.

"We would recommend the application to the Defence. Department for two tents for use at the Hospital. Also that the usual Christmas cheer be tendered tlu> inmates of all our institutions, —Received ; considered clause by clause and adopted Air Blank moved that in appreciation of the special work entailed on the staff and in appreciation of their efforts a bonus of one month’s salary be paid to all the. staffs.—Seconded by the Chairman and carried. A number of other matters engaged the, attention of members and the Board rose at 9.50 p.m