WESTLAND HOSPITAL BOARD

Hokitika Guardian, 17 December 1929, Page 2

WESTLAND HOSPITAL BOARD

. MONDAY, DEO, 16th. 1>: ' The Board met at 8.30 p.m. Present: Messrs J. J. Breeze (Chairman), G. Davidson, J. L. Turner, A. R. Elcock, W. Jeffries, T. W. Duff, E. A. Wells, M. Keenan, W. Evenden and It. Meharry. MOTION OF SYMPATHY. The Chairman moved that the Board place on record its deep sympathy with their fellow-member, Mr R. Meharry, who had suffered a sad loss by the death of his life’s . partner. Seconded by Mr Jeffries and carried,. members standing in silence. The minutes, were confirmed and outward correspondence approved. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE, From Hospital Boards’ Association, circular in reference to monthly bulletin.—Received. From National Provident Fund ■ in reference to contributions.—Received. From New Zealand Trained Nurses’ Association, in reference to salaries.— Received, From British Empire Cancer Campaign Society, Christchurch branch, notifying meeting of Committee.—Received. From Ashburton Board asking particulars of Board’s procedure. From W. D. Nolan, Okuru, as follows: , I feel it'my duty to compliment your Board upon its decision to establish a resident doctor at the Waiho Gorge, It seems to he the only fair and reasonable solution toy the South Westland Medical Aid question. I can assure you., it lifts a great weight from off the, shoulders of parents for to feel that their little children, when dangerously .ill, are within reasonable reach of medical aid. I feel sure that all southern settlers join with me in recognition of your Board’s humane decision. At the same time we feel that no injustice has been done to southern residents with their splendid motor roads and modern means of conveyance. We are very grateful to those southern residents who hare acceded to the Board’s decision in placing the doctor where he can serve all. —Received. Front L. Reid quoting for supply of fish.—Received and contract renewed for the ensuing year. Froth E. Lawson (housemaid), resigning position Received., The Chairman complained that this was not the first or second time that members of the staff had been taken away by the Mental Hospital. He suggested that a complaint be made to the Minister of Health. Mr Davidson said that in the present instance the employee had been an applicant for 'a position at the Mental’Hospital before securing appointment at Wesfland Hospital, and then a vacancy offering she had accepted the position.. He did not think there was any necessity to take any drastic action. " ' v Mr Jeffries seconded the Chairman’s motion, considering the public hospital was suffering at the hands of the mental hospital. There were several similar cases in the last few months. Mr Duff supported the attitude that Mr Davidson suggested, jHe did not think there was *any necessity for the drastic action proposed by the Chairman.

The Chairman asked leave to withdraw his motion and the matter was referred to Mr Davidson to deal with. From Matron Lloyd applying for annual leave.—Received and granted. From Mu's Rouse applying for annual leave.—Received and granted. From G. Small, applying for annual leave.—Received and granted.

From Druids’ Lodge, thanking Board for consideration shown, and asking for a reduction of the fee charged for female members.—Received. Mr Turner supported the request of the Lodge for" some consideration being shown to the female members. He moved that single.members be accepted at 10s per year. Seconded by Mr Evenden and lost. Ayes—Messrs Turner, Elcock, Evenden and Duff; Noes —Messrs Davidson, Meharry, Jeffries, Keenan and Wells. REPORTS. From Surgeon-Superintendent, Westland Hospital, reporting patients on Nov. Ist. totalled 30. Admitted during November, 26 males 19 females. Total treated 46 males, 29 females—--75. Discharged cured, 27 males 10 females; relieved 1 female, died 2 females. "Total discharged 40. • In hospital Nov. 30th—19 males, 16 females—--35. In hospital for two months—4 males, 3 females—7.—Received. Mr Davidson moved bv notice to rescind regulations in. regard to holidays' of nurses: That all nurses be given one month’s holiday per year and one whole day every fortnight. Seconded by the Chairman. Mr Jeffries opposed. Giving the present staff the holidays under the present regulations, they received 352 days in a year. The present proposal meant that the staff would receive 756 days of holidays. The report brought down by the sub-committee revolutionised the present position. It would mean the appointment of another nurse, and there was not anything at the present time to warrant such a course. Mr Duff said, by the appointment of one-additional probationer they would be able to give the staff the extra day asked for. This was the only expense that the Board would be involved in, a matter of £SO to £BO. It was on the recommendation of the Doctor and Matron that the sub-committee brought

up the report, which the Board’ had approved at last meeting. Mr Davidson questioned the figures presented by Mr Jeffries. He personally knew much of the inner workings of the institution, and knew how hard the staff had to work.

Mr Meharry supported the motion, as did Messrs Evenden and Wells. The motion was agreed to. APPLICATIONS.

From Geo. Mclntosh, Ruatapii, applying for position of wardsman at OP. Home; age 20 years.

Application held over, the applicant being too young. It was resolved to invite fresh applications. The House Committee reported on conditions, at the hospital as satisfactory, with a few requirements.— Received and adopted. Accounts amounting to £482 9s 6d were passed for payment. ■ The Treasurer reported receipts £894 19s lid, payments £824 17s Od, credit balance £IOB9 2s 7d.—Received. The Chairman moved that the accounts as scrutinised hv the Finance Committee and approved be sued for. —Seconded by Mr Duff and carried. The usual Christmas cheer was referred to' the House Committee and Matron to attend to. It was resolved to thank Ross children for a donation of flowers for the institution. The next meeting was fixed for 13th. January. The Chairman extended good wishes for the festive season to members and trusted the coming year would be a prosperous• and happy one. The Board rose at 9.50 p.m.