WESTLAND HOSPITALS AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 February 1919, Page 4

WESTLAND HOSPITALS AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 2b

The Hoard met at 8 p.m. Present— Messrs J. J. Breeztt, (Chairman), G. H. Blank, J. A. Murdoch, L. Morel and E. A. Wells. An apology was made for the absence of Mr. Davidson. The Chairman welcomed Mr Wells to the Board table and trusted that his stay would be a long one. Mr Wells suitably acknowledged tho Chairman’s welcome. The minutes of the previous ordinary and special meetings were continued and outward correspondence approved . The Chairman moved that tho I Hoard place on record appreciation of the past services of Mr H. Williams as a member of the Board. Seconded Uv Mr Blank and carried. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE. From Westland County Council appointing Mr E. A. Wells in place of Mr H. "Williams, resigned.—Received. In connection with the lease of portion of tho old men’s reserve it was decided to give notice for payment of arrears of lease within ten days, failing which the termination of the lease l)o carried out, to the Westland Sawmilling Company. From Minister Public Health, Wellington, in reference to plans for additions to Westland Hospital.—Received.

From Government- Architect, stating drawing of plans had been stopped, owing to instructions by Public Works Department.—Received. Tho Chairman said there was simply a subterfuge on the part of the Government departments. From Hon. G. W. Russell, circular re assistance to widows and children affected by the in:fh*?nza epidemic. —Received.

From Southland Board protesting against Government forcing on Board the duties of carrying out the above proposal.—Received. Correspondence was read from applicants for admission to several homes. —Received ; referred to Chairman to take necessary action and report at next meeting. From Dr. Cotter notifying 3 fuses of typhoid at the Mental Hospital.— Received. The Secretary reported that application had been made for a baeterologist to visit, and Dr. Hayes bad visited and reported thereon. From Dr Cbcsson, Christchurch, stating there was no vacancy tor consumptive patient, and from Hon. G. W. Russell advising erection of tour shelters, after the plans thereof had received his approval.—Received. The Chairman said the subject was a very unsatisfactory unc. There did' not seem to be any possibility of getting any definite reply to their repeated enquiries.

From Hosnitnl Wellington in reference to payment of influenza opi domic accounts.—Received. From Otira Tunnel Employees forwarding I'9 IDs.—Received. From E. Purcell, Wataroa, in reference to suitable site for cottage hospital .—R ccei ved. From 31 aster, Kumara Old People’s Home, report of operations for mouth. —Received.

From 'J'auranga Board re sanitation it t Maori Palis.—Received. .MEDICAL REPORT. From Surgeon Superintendent, AYost land Hospital, reporting on 31st Dec. there were 24 patients admitted during January, 13 males, 7 females. Total treated 30 males, 18 females—4B. Discharged cured, (i males, (> females, relieved 1 male, 2 females; died 3 males 1 female. Total discharged 10 males, 9 females—l 9. 111 hospital •Tan 31st. 20 males, 9 females—29. In hospital for two months, 7 males—Ro-| eeived. .

FINANCIAL. Tlk> Treasurer reported receipts £555 ~s 7d; payments £B2l 9s Od, debit balance £512 5s 2d.—Received. Accounts amounting to £137 12s were passed for payment. Assistance asked for by tbe Secretary was granted for two months. HOUSE COMMI'TTEE’S REPORT AVe have the honour to report having visited Westland Hospital 011 3fondny evening. In company with Dr. Toiehelmann, wo inspected the ground for the purpose of erecting a temporary shelter for tubercular patients, owing to the fac-t that wo cannot get any of our patients into sanatoriums for treatment. Dr Teichelmann suggested the north-eastern end of the infectious ward as the most suitable place, it being the sunniest spot available. AAe would suggest the Board obtain a copy of plans of shelters from the Canterbury Board before proceeding with this much needed work.

Your Committee discussed the superiimiatioti of nurses scheme with the Surgeon Superintendent and Matron. They approve of same, hut until actual figures are given they cannot definitely decide. The Matron states the nurses and herself are quite willing to join if the scheme is suitable. We would again point out the unsanitary condition of the nurses’ quarters, they are damp, dank and dreary, in fact not habitable.

In order to complete our staff and retain our Senior Sister we recommend their salaries be increased as from the ,‘ilst March next. Members will observe the frequent changes in our staff, the reason being miserable quarters, and low salaries paid by us. The. .Matron’s annual holiday is again due. we recommend same Ire granted with a slight extension in view of the strenuous time passed through. Received and adopted, after a lengthy discussion over the erection of shelters at Westland Hospital. On Mr Murdoch’s suggestion it was resolved to ask the Canterbury Board if if were possible to erect and equip a further :S or I shelters at Cashmere Hills for the Westlaml Board. There wtis also a long discussion on the subject of the nurses quarters, the conditions being stated to be becoming worse and worse, and then* was an urgent necessity for immediate attention being given, and if (lovennnent. did not give ilu«ir immediate .authority then the Board should at once carry out ilk* erection of new nurses’ quarters from the funds in hand. If, was resolved to increase the salary of the senior sister and nurse to £!)o per annum. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT. Since out - fast meeting, f have sent

several communications to the Hon. Minister of Public Health, re the proposed new living and administrative quarters, and have ascertained the Public "Works Department are not preparing plans and specifications for these additions, but that they will be furnished by tho Health Department, the time of delivery is not stated. The Board held a conference with Captain Seddon, 31. P. on Friday, Feb. 7th, the purport of which has been read in the minutes just- confirmed. The .Member for Westland stated he would personally aid us all in his power to get plans and specifications prepared as soon as possible, and would endeavour to get a definite promise in j writing authorising the undertaking'of 1 the work, which was undoubtedly an i absolute necessity. j In tbe correspondence to the Hon. the Minister of Health, I informed him we have £2,500 on fixed deposit, and are prepared to raise a further £2,500 towards the new buildings, which will cost • something like £IO,OOO under present conditions. I have reason to believe £SOO can be. raised by public subscription, the remaining £2OOO can bo raised by loan, from the Public Trust Office, by the Board. The necessity for prompt action in this important matter is becoming imperative.—Received. ■ SOCIAL RELIEF CO3IMITTEE. In connection with the proposals of - the Minister in connection with granting relief to the sufferers by the influenza epidefic, 3lr Jlurdoeli moved that the members of the Board as a ■ whole form the Social W'elf are Committee for Westland to carry out’ the requirements of the Government ■ scheme of assistance. Seconded by 3lr Wells and carried. A list by tbe Secretary of applicai tions for aid in connection therewith , was considered and dealt with. The Board rose at 11 p.m.