WESTLAND HOSPITALS AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 February 1920, Page 4

WESTLAND HOSPITALS AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23rd

The Board sat at 8.30. p.m. Present Messrs R. Wild (Chairman), G. Davidson, G. H. Blank, S.P. Evans, J. Cam. eron, H. L. Morel. The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed and the outward correspondence approved. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE. From Dr. Mac Gill stating Conference of Boards would he held on 11th May. —Received; It was resolved the Board send one representative to be selected later. From A. Harris resigning her position as Sister on staff of Westland Hospital.—Received and held oi*er for House Committee’s report. From Health Department sending price lists of appliances and requirements for institutions. —Received and referred to Chairman and Secretary to deal with. From Health Department notifying a grant of £7OO for capital purposes and not for maintenance.—Received with thanks. From same regarding a uniform scalo of salaries for staffs tfor consideration at the Conference.—Received ; and attended. The Secretary reported that the statistics for the year had been forwarded. From same regarding payments under epidemic expenditure and urging the fullest economy; also pointing out that the Boards were required to provide accommodation necessary in case of an iutbreak. —Received. From Irene Saunders resigning her position as probationer at the hospital —Rleceived; The probationer came from Christchurch and stayed only about a fortnight. From Dr. McPherson notifying case of diphtheria.—Received; and attended to. j From 0. Nenme, Otira, asking an increase in salary.—Received; Salary' fixed at £66 per annum. From Hop,!tlx Department correcting tbo impression that West}and had!

been included in the Nelson district. — Received. From Matron Bowie, Otira asking for six weeks’ leave after two years engagement; and accepting the position of South Westland nurse at the end of March, subject to an increase in salary, when boarding out.—Received; The Chairman explained the arrangement with the Department, and stated a residence would be ready in about three months, when the increase would cease. Mr Blank moved the oppoiutmenfc be made. Mr Davidson seconded the motion which was supported by Mr Morel and carried. The Chairman said the South Westland people would be fortunate in getting Matron Bowie. With regard to the vacancy a.t Otira, it was resolved to ask the local committee for suggestions. From Dr Hughes, Health Officer, regarding accommodation for shearers and at flaxmills and sawmills.—Received; It was stated an inspecting officer would visit the district. From Health Department giving particulars of second hand blankets for fealb.—Redeived; Samples had been asked for. It Was resolved to procure 50 blankets at 15 j- each. From same forwarding returns fl’om the Social Welfare accounts for March quarter. Received.. From same relative to patients being charged exitra fees in hospitals. Received and information to be supplied by the Chairman after consultation with the Surgeon-Superintendent. From same stating a cottage would be built for a medical officer at Otira; also asking the salary paid to Dr McPherson while employed by the Board. —Received; information supplied From same asking for returns from Kumara hospital.—Received and attended to.

From' (same regarding tuberculosis caites in the district. —Received and jattended to, after consultation with the Surgeon-Superintendent. From Sergt-Major Armstrong returning thanks for assistance rendered by Secretary ,Bruce with regard to soldiers. —Received. From Ordnance Stores stating clothing orders had. 1 been sold out, and claiming for samples sent.—Reserved. From Dr Usher notifying case of pneumonia reported on 31st January. —Received. From Westland County Council notifying appointment of Mr J. J. Breeze to the vacancy on the Board. —Received with expressions of satisfaction. From Miss M. Andrewes thanking the Board for appointment as typiste. Received. From several patients forwarding payments on account of maintenanc e charges. —Received. From T. P. Souter, claiming £2O for putting water pipes through his ground, and also for the medical officet motoring through his property. Received; ilt wad stated consent had been obtained from claimant’s parent. It was resolved no action be taken m the matter.

From A. Scott offering to paint buildings at Hospital for £4B/15/-. (Recteived and agreed to by House Committee and approved by Board. From Miss Montgomery', Picton, thanking the Secretary and Board for assistance given in respect to the sudden death of her mother at the hospital Becoived. From W. H. Batson, Kumara, notifying four admissions to the Old Peoples’ Home. —Received; The Secretary reported on recent visit and supplies necessary at the institution. Approved; The Master was empowered to engage gardener as required. From Surgeon-Superintendent reporting admission 27, discharges 15, remaining in hospital 33.—Received. From Miss Henderson, forwarding £l2 result of concert and dance at Arahura. —Received with thanks and amount placed to the credit of the Building Fund. REPORTS. Mr Blank reported the House Committee had visited the institution that day. There were some small requirements to be attended to. The front fence required attention, and the painting of roofs of two wards should be attended to. The works were authorised. The House Committee reported regarding the salaries of the staff, stating that the Matron was of opinion the salary for probationers should be increased. The Board decided to rescind the former rate of salaries for the Westland Hospital, and adopt the following new scale: Position Present New

Sister Harris’ resignation was referred to the Chairman of the House Committee to deal with. A charitable aid case was dealt with and a monthly grant made. ACCOUNTS. Accounts to the amount of £B6l/5/4 were passed for payment. The Treasurer reported receipts £626 15s lid; Expenditure £9BB/11/10. Of the credit to the Building Account it was resolved to place £SOO on fixed deposit. miscellaneous. Mr Davidson enquired if the plans for the now hospital wing were to hand. The Chairman stated a telegram would ho sent to the Department. The question of an increased charge for maintenance was raised, and deferred for consideration. It was pointed out only £75 had been received for the month. It was resolved the Secretary be notified of discharges in advance so that accounts could be rendered before patients left the, institution. It was resolved to notify the Kumara Borough Council that all arrears of levy must be paid up to the end of the financial year, March 31st., otherwise legal proceedings be taken. Tho meeting concluded at 10.20. o’clock

Matron £160 £200 Sister £95 £120 Nurses £75 £80 Probationer: 3rd. yr £52 £70 2nd yr £30 £60 1st. yr £25 £50 Casual Nurse £78 £104 Maids (3) ... £50 £65 Maids (1) ... £45 £52