WESTLAND HOSPITAL BOARD

Hokitika Guardian, 17 May 1927, Page 4

WESTLAND HOSPITAL BOARD

MONDAY, -MAY 10th. The Hoard met itt 8 p.m. Present— Messrs J. J- Breeze (Chairman,!, L. 11. .Morel. E. A. Wells, A. li. Spiers, I'. \Y. Duff, G. J Icin g G. Davidson, \Y. .Jeffries and R. Meharry. The Chairman welcomed the new members Messrs Dull ami Heinz to the hoard table, each acknowledging the welcome. From Returning Officer, Hokitika, notifying election of Messrs Breeze, Dull' and Heinz, and from Kunnira Returning Officer notifying election of Mr A. 15. Spiei-s, to represent Kumara and Ross combined. Received. The Secretary lead a notification that the present Chairman would remain in office until April. 1928. Mr Jeffries expressed li is pleasure at

Mr Breeze continuing in office for a further term. He moved that the salary of the Chairman for the ensuing year be £!>o per annum. Seconded by .Messrs Dull'. Davidson, Weils and Morel and carried.

The Chairman sincerely thanked members for the vote, lie had given much of liis time to the Westland Hospital in the past and had with the assistance of members, done his best to bring the institution to the proud position it at present holds. APPOINTMENT Ob’ COMMITTEES. The following committees were appointed : Finance.—The whole board, with Mr Duff as Chairman. House.—The whole Board, with Mr Davidson as Chairman. Benevolent Officer.—Mr Duff. Reserves. —Messrs More] (Chairman), Wells, Keenan, Meharry and Spiers. To sign cheques.—Town members. The second Monday in the month was fixed for 'meeting night. The minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence approved.

INWA R D CORR ESPONDENCE. From Health Department, Wellington. granting £7of) advance on subsidy. —Received. From same, approving of estimates for year.—Received. From same in reference to Board’s payments to the superannuation fund, even when a pension is granted, the Board having to continue the payments until the pensioner’s death.—Received. From same notifying amount of subscription to the Hoard’s Association was £7.—Received. From same in reference to the bolding of a general hospital day.— Received. consideration deferred. From North Canterbury Board, forwarding copy of tuberculosis address by Dr Blackmon'.—Received.

Fi •om Otago Hospital Hoard in reference to patient from Westland.—Received.

From Westland Rugby Sub-Union protesting against the present arrangements for ambulance cases ; instancing procedure in connection with accident mi Saturday week on Cass Square.— Received. Mr Heinz asked for the reason of doing away with the previous

ambulance. The Chairman said it was not a suitable one, being one for 12 |):»tients and was not suitable for one patient.

.Mi- Dull' endorsed approval of actio of Hoard.

Mr Heinz thought an up-to-date anihulnnee was a necessity, especially for use from country districts.

T 1 ic Chairman said patients who had ridden in the field ambulance previously in use. would not ride in it again, and it had been found advisable to depose of it. Mr Heinz said the ear that was used for this particular accident was not suitable for the purpose. ■Mr Spiers thought they should obtain an up-to-date ambulance as soon as possible, and it should he located at the hospital.

Mr Davidson considered it would lr advisable to obtain an ambulance.

Mr Jeffries suggested that the Rugby Union move in the matter as thenstated they would. They lind to get rid of the old ambulance because people refused to ride in it, and it was very costly. He thought if the Rugby Union came out of its shell with a

substantial donation, that the public would do the rest.

The Chairman approved of the suggestion of Mr Jeffries. The question of getting an ambulance at present was out of the power of the Board. He thought the Athletic Clubs should make the first move. From Nurse Scott, in reference to report.—Received. REPORTS. From Surgeon Superintendent reporting for April. On April Ist there were 39 patients in hospital. Admitted during April, 11 males, 3 females. Total treated, 29 males, 24 females—--53. Discharged cured, 9 males, 8 females; died, 3, females, Total dis-

charged, 9 males, 11 females; total 20; in' hospital on 30th April. 20 males, 11 females; total 33. In hospital for over two months, 0 males, 7 females, total IG.—Received. From House Committee reporting two nurses had been ill but they were, expected to be able to resume at an early date; reporting on some necessary road work on the north sido ol the institution; the matron desired to llank a number of donors for various gilt.-.—Received and approved. Accounts amounting to £314 13s were passed for payment. Tt was res deed the housemaid’s salary lie increased by 2s Gd per week and that of tlie dairyman hv £lO per year. The Treasurer reported receipts £BB Ins yd; payments £892 10s; debit balance £1,270 Bs. The Board rose at 9.30 p.m.