WESTLAND HOSPITALS AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 January 1920, Page 4

WESTLAND HOSPITALS AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

MONDAY JAN. 26th

The Board met at 8 p.m. Present — Messrs R. Wild, (Chairman pro. tern); J. Cameron, G. H. Blank, G. David-i son, E. A. Wells, L. H. Morel. In accordance with the previous resolution of the Board Mr Wild is acting as Chairman, pending new County Council appointments; The minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence approved. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE

From Hon. Minister of Hospitals, Wellington, asking for sopy of circular to which reference was made in Board’s letter.—Received; to be supplied. From Hospitals Department, Christchurch, stating infectious disease enquiry must take precedence before office work ; than an inspecting officer was being appointed to be stationed at Hokitika and the Board would be charged with the services of the officer.— Received. Mr Cameron moved that the present arrangement of the secretary being inspector be continued. Seconded by Mr Morel and carried. From Dr Teichelmann, reporting two infectious cases; (enteric fever and Received.

diptheria) both at Mental Hospital. From Minister of Hospitals, Wellington, stating application fpr a further grant for Westland Hospital would be considex-ed.—Received. 1 From Government Architect forwarding plans for additions to HospitalReceived. From Hospitals Department, Wellington notifying conference in March of inembers of Hospital Boards. Received.

From Secretai-y for Health, Wellington offering drugs for sale.—Received; referred to Superintendent and Matron with power to act up to £IOO. From Departmeixt of Hospitals, Wellington, stating inability to obtain medical officer for Otira.—Received. From Audit Department in connection with clerical error in an account— Received; replied to. From Hospital Department in reference to consumptive shelters. —Received ; referred to Surgeon Superintendent to report. From North Canterbury Board ; asking for particulars of the admission of patients.—Received. Mr Blank moved that a reply be sent that the Board admitted all patients irrespective of means.—Seconded by Mr Cameron and carried. From Grey Board, notifying admission of former resident of Kumara. to Grey Hospital.—Received; referred t 0 Chairman.

From Andrew Wright resigning his position as wardsmen. —Received. From Otira Committee, forwarding £lB 10s and £l7 4s 6d.—Received. From Miss McLean, Wellington, stating Nurse Bowie could bo appointed as district nurse, subject to taking tuition in midwifery.—Received; referred to Chairman to deal with. From R. Ritchie, Wellington* in reference to district nurse for South West land—Received.

1 From Messrs L. Neville and M. Murphy, resigning positions as housemaids at Kumara Home.—Received and accepted., From Master, Kumara Home, report on conditions at institution; asking for appointment of a man'for outside work; stating the experiment of providing milk for the instituion during the past three months had cost, (including purchase of 3 cows, sectors, etc.) £69; while there had been supplied milk at 5d per quart, ete. which totalled £77 ,a profit over all. expenses of £B. It was pointed out that that tlie price asked for milk before this was elghtpence' per quart.—Received. The Chairman reported on a number of matters arising out of the Master’s letter and report. Mr Davidson reported on a visit made ()V members to Kumara Home, who found that the conditions of the Homo was entirely satisfactory, the patients made no complaints and appeared to be satisfied with their condition generally. He agreed that Mr Batson was giving satisfaction and was attending to the best interests of the Institution and Board; stating that it was advisable to give outside assistance to Mr BatsOii, and bo moved that Mr W. McMahon be appointed gardener and assistant at a salary of £104.. Seconded by Mr Wells and agreed to.

A number of other matters required •at the institution were approved and authorised ,including the carrying out of a drain, some fencing and the obtain ing of a supply of underclothing for the From Surgeon Superintendent, West land Hospital, reporting patients on Ist Dec. numbered 20 males, 13 females. Admitted during December: 8 males, 4 females; total treated 28 males 17 females—4s. Discharged cured: 7 males, 9 females, relieved 2 males, 3 females; died, 3 males. Total discharged 24; remaining in hospital oh Dec. 31st. 21. — Received.

From Dr Tciclielmann asking for annual holiday and stating that Dr Usher was available as locum tenens. Received and approved. In connection with the granting of holiday leave to the Secretary, arrangements for office assistance was referred to the Chairman and town members to arrange. The Westland Hospital Committee reported pn a number of matters, required .at the hospital, and. also that arrangements had been made to keep the staff at full strength.—Received and approved. A complimentary rote was passed to Nurse Burrell on her success in passing her nurse’s examination, and also to tho Matron and superintendent on tho result of their tuition. Accounts amounting to £972 8s lOd were passed for payment. Tho Treasurer’s statement showed receipts £2997 4s lid; payments £1669 4s lid; bank debit balance £785 17s 6d —Received.

It was resolved to apply to tho Kumnra Borough Council for payment of arrears of levies duo by 10th 1' cb. failing which other steps were authorised. Tho Secretary reported the Euchre Tournament Committee bad handed in the not sum of £7B as a result of their efforts last winter. The Chairman moved that a. very hearty vote of thanks to accorded tho organisers. Seconded by Mr Davidson and carried. It was resolved to take over tho skeleton supplied soma years ago at a cost of £lO.

A number of other matters were j brought forward and arranged for. >