WESTLAND HOSPITALS AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 September 1920, Page 4

WESTLAND HOSPITALS AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

MONDAY, SEPT. 37th.

The Board met at 8.30 p.m. Present: Messrs It. Wild (Chairman), G. Davidson, J. J. Breeze, T. W. DufF, L. H. Morel, E. A.. Wells. An apology tvas made for the absence of Mr S. P. Evans, owing to illness. Two months’ leave was granted. The minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence was approved. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE. From Dr Valintine, Wellington,' in reference to treatment of soldiers in hospitals.—Received ; to be filed for attention.

From Same, in reference to medical supplies provided by the Defence Stores Department.—Received; referred to medical officer. From Same, stating the Public Works Department would proceed with calling for tenders for new wing of Westland Hospital.—Received. “From T. E. Y. Seddon, M.P., Wellington, confirming above.—Received. The Chairman referred to the necessity of also having the plans for the new laundry drawn up and tenders invited for the erection thereof. After discussion it was resolved that the sysem in vogue at the 'Greymouth hospital, a steam plant, was the most suitable, and that Mr Fletcher of Greymouth be asked to confer and advise the Board on the matter, and to send on his suggestions to the Government architect for the earliest attention. From Hospital Department, Wellington, expressing the hope that a maternity home would be opened at Ross.— Received. From Same, promising to forward plans of steam laundry at an early date. Received.

From Same, stating it was impossible to supply from Defence Department at present, equipment for operating room, and advising application to a Sydney firm.—Received.

From Same, approving of appointment of nurse for South Westland.— Received.

From Same, approving of the suggestion of appointment of a second medical man in Hokitika, but pointing out there is not much likelihood of obtaining a second medical man to settle in Hokitika, while the course is followed of allowing persons able to pay private fees to enter the hospital for treatment. —Received. The Chairman said the contents of' the letter was of considerable importance. He understood that in one large hospital, the position of the patient was enquired into, and if able to pay. were told to go elsewhere. He considered that the Board should continue the custom that had hitherto prevailed. Mr Davidson said he considered that any person had the right to enter the hospital if they needed treatment, as long as they were prepared to pay the fees fixed. The whole matter laid with the action of the medical profession who had formed on@ big union.

Mr Breeze said if the attitude of the letter was the correct one, then the best thing would be for the Governmentto nationalise the whole of the hospitals He thought that the Board should do their utmost for those who had always assisted in the upkeep of the hospital. He thought they should continue to do in the future as in the past. Mr Morel supported the Chairman’s attitude, but he did not think, judging from the many outstanding accounts for maintenance, that many rich persons were making use of the hospital.

Air DufF said he did not think that there were so many taking advantage of the hospital, as the fact that the district was not populated sufficiently to enable another first class medical man to reside in the town.

Mr Wells opposed any alteration in the present system. The hospital was open to everyone, and he thought that should that it should continue for the use of everyone. Mr Davidson then moved that the Boaial saw no reason to change the present arrangements which allowed the use of the hospital by all classes of the community.—Seconded by Mr Breeze and carried.

From Hospital Department, Wellington, approving of the increase in hospital charges ofjnaintenance.—Deceived. From Childrens’ Welfare Department, authorising Dr Baker to inspect a couple of cases in Westland district. —Received. One case was referred to the Benevolent Committee for report, the other having been dealt with. From Waiho Hospital Committee, stating £2OO was now available for cottage on south side of Waiho and offering £2O towards furniture.—Received. From R. Ritchie, Biruce Bay, stating difficulty in collecting funds, and advising election of a medical committee for the far south district, and stating his| collections to date totalled £2B.—Received.

From Sister E. Webster, Pieton, offering services as District Nurse.— Received. The action of the Chairman in making the appointment was confirmed.

From Dr Bathgate, Otira, replying to Board’s letter in reference to the charge for medical certificates, and stating he was arranging with the Public Works Department on the matter. —Received.

From Otira Committee, forwarding £lO 17s contributions; stating the people were well satisfied with the present doctor and advising that the medical officer be not charged for board at the hospital.—Received; and recommendations were adopted. From T. E. Y. Seddon, M.P., enquiring as to condition of hospital supply of sugar.—Received. A vote of thanks was passed for interest shown in Board’s affairs.

From Kumafa Borough Council, forwarding cheque on account of levy.— Received. The Secretary stated that Kumara now owed practically this year’s levy. / An offer of £-10 to settle an account for maintenance of £56 Bs, was accepted. From Executors in estate of the late Felix Restano, forwarding legacy of £IOO left to Board and also amount £27, for maintenance due.—Received with thanks.

From Guardian and Times Coy., Ltd., notifying revised charges for advertisements.—Received.

From W. Scott, Inspector of Stock, recondition of pigs at institution, and

.-improvements.—Received j to be attended to.

From Master, Kumara Homo (Mr W. H. Batson), reporting inmates total 35 (males 30, females 5), and general ro~ port of condition of institution.—Received.

From W. H. Batson, Kumara, applying for an increase of salary.—Received.

The Chairman moved a vote of thanks to the Fire Brigade, Southern Division and others interested in connection with the benefit football match and dance. — Seconded by Mr Morel and carried.

From Waitaki Hospital Board, forwarding circular in connection with proposed improved system of public health administration.—Received. Mr Duff moved that this Board support the attitude of the Waitaki Board, having in view the preventing of the increase in the number of inspectors.—Seconded by Mr Breeze and carried.

From T. W. Bruce, Sesretary, applying for an increase of salary.—Received ; referred to Finance Committee to report at next meeting. From Womens Benevolent Committee, reporting and recommending for the month.—Received.

From Surgeon Superintendent, Westland Hospital, reporting patients on 31st August totalled 40. Admitted' during September 7 males, 4 females. Total treated 34 males, 17 females—sl. .Discharged cured 5 males, 8 females, relieved 1 male; died 3 males, 1 female.

Total discharged 18. In hospital 25 inales, 8 females —33. In hospital for two months 13 males, 2 females—ls. Received. The. Chairman of the House "Committee (Mr Davidson) reported that Mr Keys had been appointed gardener; that a complaint had been made of a wandering horse in the grounds; that if the proposed alterations to the staff were brought into force it would mean the addition of three nurses to the staff; that both Matron and Doctor were agains the proposed alterations, and urging every endeavor be made to prevent the proposed new regulations being put into force.—Received and adopted. Mr Davidson reported a visit had been made to the Old Peoples Home, Kumara, by the Chairman, Mr DufF, himself, the Doctor and Matron. He reported conditions at the Home as very satisfactory. There had been many improvements made, and the Master was doing good work; advising the Board to purchase 2}. sections adjoining the hospital.—Received. He moved that Pierson’s sections be purchased ; that the Mines Department be written to applying for the use of their section, and that another section be purchased if a suitable price be arranged.—Seconded by Mr Duff and carried.

In connection with the application for an increase in salary of the Master, Mr Wild moved that the salary of the Master and Matron be increased from £IBO to £23o.—Seconded by Mr Wells, who expressed his appreciation of the good work done. The motion was agreed to.

It was agreed to pay three weeks’ salary in lieu of leave, as asked for by Matron Bowie.

The Chairman moved that in view of the expense'entailed in having to employ an additional Sister, staff nurse, and probationer, and the expense of building extra quarters, this Board does not favor the proposed institution of a six days’ course for nurses; and suggesting that the annual holiday be extended instead.—Seconded by Mr Duff and carried.

Accounts amounting to £999 17s 4d were passed for payment. The Treasurer reported receipts £873 Is 4d, payments £l3Ol 2s Bd, debit balance £315 12s od, building fund receipts since last meeting £4O Is 5.—Received.

The Chairman referred to the loss sustained by the death of Mr Alex Hutchison, one of the oldest, most conscientious and painstaking members of the Board who had at all times done his utmost to advance the welfare of the institution. He moved that the Board express its deep sympathy at the loss sustained, and convey its deep sympathy to the relatives.—Seconded by Mr Breeze and carried in silence. The Board rose at 11.15 p.m.