THAMES HOSPITAL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4799, 14 January 1925, Page 3

THAMES HOSPITAL.

r? J MONTHLY BOARD MEETING. ' The regular meeting of the Thames - Hospital Board was held on Monday afternoon, -Mr W. E. Hale presiding over. Messrs H. I* Berney, W. McKay, W. C. Kennedy, A. R. Robinson, P. E. Brenar., G. Death, and the secretary, Mr G. Tonge. KEREPEEHI SITE. The Commissioner of Crown Lands forwarded a lengthy communication asking if the Kerepeehi hospital site was section 5; block VIII., Kerepeehi, or section 27 Tiritiri block. The secretary said he had made a similar inquiry of the Commissioner some time ago and was informed that the sections were identical. r "‘ CHARGES. A Hauraki Plains settler wrote complaining that he had been charged for three days’ treatment for the period from the afternoon of the 28th until the- afternoon of the 30th ( and had been charged for maintenance, whereas the food consumed , w,as supplied at nd cost to the Loard. The writer also pointed out that hepai'l - hospital - rates. ■ The Chairman stated that under Government regluations the. charge had to be made for every portion of a day. and no variation could be made. Recently a patient was admitted an hour before midnight and died all a.m. For the two hours tlie <<charge was as for two days. Many settlers were of the opinion that being rated for hospital purposes they were not required to pay hospital charges. local body levy. - One quarter’s contribution was received from the Hauraki Plains and Thames counties and from the Paeroa and Thames boroughs. PAEROA HOSPITAL. ' The ..architect, Mr E. E. Gillman, forwarded an estimate for the proposed Paeroa maternity and emergency hospital based on the Health •Depatment’s sketch plan. -The total ’ cost was £6515 10s. Mr Gillman pointed out that the floor space was. approximately 75 square feet larger than the building designed by him,’ and that the department had provided for, two twobed wards, whereas he had provided < for one four-bed ward, as instructedThe department’s plan showed one staff oe’droom less, and a servants’ sitting-room had not been provided. f The additional floor space was taken up in a through corridor, scullery, etc. The estimate of the building designed by the department was £490 more than that of his plan. A lengthy discussion ensued as to the’, merits r of the two plans. The chairman favoured the plan, but was of the opinion that the department x-would accept Mr Gillman’s. « Mr Brenan thought Mr Gillman’s design was the best. He considered the prevision of accommodation for the nurses, as provided by Mr Gillman, was necessary, and pointed out that the department had not provided for the excavations. Mr Kennedy preferred a brick building ■ • • Tn reply to Mr Brenan the chairman <said that the board had funds ■ amounting to £614 3s 5d, upon whicn tlie Government had given a similar amount, making £1228 6s lOd. A subsidy of £2065 had begn received on the land, so the fund to be opened on Aprli 1 would have a credit"of £3293 6s -10 d. A loan would have to be for the balance. This, srpead over a number of years, would not be the slightest hardship upon the local authorities. The chairman moved, and Mr Brenan seconded, that the secretary ' make inquiries as to the longest term that the balance required could be ' spread 'as a levy upon the local authorities. —Carried. Mr Brenan moved that the board proceed with the erection of the Pacroa maternity hospital, and by way of financing the undertaking a levy be made upon the local authorities spread over as long a term as possible. ’ Seconded by the chairman and cark/- ried.* ■ It was then decided that the plan submitted by,, the department be adopted, and that Mr Gillman be given the work of preparing detailed plans .and-specifications for alternate structures in wood and brick;’ 1 STAFF MATTERS. Sister Dean wrote resigning her position.--Accepted with regret. The resident surgeon wrote; asking for a testimonial. —Chairman and deputy-chairman to prepare one. The Director-General of Health approved of the appointment of Sister Ansenne as acting-matron. _ REPORTS. The Hospital.—The resident surgeon, Dr. D. A. Bathgate, reported that 57 males and 42 females had been admitted during the month. Five / patients had died and 57 males and 35 Teir.ales were discharged, leaving 30 males and 24 females In the hospital Twenty-six outpatients had been treated. 69 attendances made, and 43 operations performed during the month Two casejs of scarlet fever, three of diphtheria, and one of measles were admitted. The need for an isolation block was a very pressing one, and required immediate attention. ; Dr. Bathgate suggested that in view of the increased amount of work (approximately 30 per cent, more admissions than for the previous 12 months) another probationer nurse should be taken on immediately. Of the deaths that had occurred four were, within 24 hours of admission. Dr. A. Smale commenced duty as \ house surgeon on the first of the month . • Five babies -were born in the matcniity annex during the month. ' ■ The matron reported at length on staff- matters. Eleven pounds had ’ been jeceived from various sources Christmas cheer for patients, as Wedl .as numerous books and flowers. Mr'Berney,-on behalf of the visit-

ing committee, reported in support of the report.

The chairman moved that the secretary obtain quotations for the linoleum and the painting required.—carried. Mr Hale said that an isolation ward was urgently required. At present patients were isolated in all manner of places.

Mr McKay moved that the secretary obtain all information on the requirements of the Health Departmnet. —Carried.

The District. —The district nurse r .o natives stationed at Paeroa reported having attended 20' patients during the month, having visited 15 Maoli pas, aud delivered lectures on various subjects. Tlie Homes. —The superintendent of the Tararu Homes reported that the numbel of inmates remained at 19 men and 3 women, one man having been admitted during, the month and one having died. The conduct was good. The usual Christmas cheer had been provided and was greatly enjryed. In the farm and garden everything was in good order, and there was an abundance of feed. Charitable Aid.—The relieving officer reported at length on the charitable aid granted during the month. ACCOUNTS. Accounts totalling £1142 14s 2d were passed for payment. VISITING COMMITTEES', Messrs Kennedy and Robinson were appointed hospital visiting committee and Metssrs Death and Brenan the homes committee.