HOSPITAL MATTERS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4829, 13 May 1925, Page 3

HOSPITAL MATTERS.

THE THAMES INSTITUTION. REPORTS FOR THE MONTH. The following reports were read and approved at Monday's meeting of the Thames Hospital Board : — THE HOSPITAL. The resident surgeon (Dr. James Ritchie) reported that 29 males and 21 females had been admitted during the month of April; 38 males and 27 females had been discharged, and 28 males and 19 females were remaining in the institution at date. The number of operations performed was 30 —18 males and 12 females. The attendances on outpatients numbered 45 mules and 5 females. The report stated that the infantile paralysis cases were progressing well, and a number would shortly he fit to be transferred to Rotorua, There had been two deaths, both females, during the month. One case of diab'etes and one case of typhoid had been admitted. Several minor repairs were requited at the Nurses' Home, and the gate and paths at the resident surgeon s residence needed attention. ENGINEER’S REPORT. The engineer (Mr A. M, Somerville) reported that he had received 29 tons 11 cwt. of coal during April, and 24 tons 6cwt had been consumed. Several flex wires had been renewed, and a length of water-pipe installed. The radiators were in use, and were giving satisfaction. TARARU HOMES. The Manager of thc-Tararu Homes (M r W. D. Gilmore) reported that one inmate had been discharged during the month', and 20 males and 4 females remained in the institution at date. The conduct in the men’s home haa been fairly good, and that, of the wbmen very good. Matters in connection with the farm generally were satisfactory’. MATRON’S REPORT. The matron (Sister K. M- Ansenne) reported that cooking classes had been commenced on April 14, and seven nurses were taking the course, Maternity Annexe. —Three patients were admitted during April. Three babies had been born, and t.wo patients were remaining at date. DISTRICT NURSE. The district nurse, Patetonga, repot ted having attended 16 patients during April, involving 43 visits. The total fees collected amounted to £1 ss. SPECIAL REPORT. The report of the special committee, comprising Messrs W. E. Hale (chaiiman), J. W. Danby, P. E. Brehan, an.l W. C. Kennedy, appointed to go into the question of the Thames and Waihi district amalgamation, stated that: (1) The general conditions and financial proposals were not acceptable to the Thames Board; (2) that the proposed adjustment would involve an additional rating liability on local bodies which were already oppresse.i by accumulating rates, and it was suggested that the Hon. Minister be urged from proceeding further in the proposed amalgamation; (3) should the Waihi Board, prior to the propose:! conference between the two boards being arranged by the Director-General, desire to confer with the Thames Bon rd on the amalgamation proposals, or any matters referred to in the Directoj- - General’s communication, then a small committee shall be appointed to confer on behalf of the Thames Board and report on any matters so suggested as being of interest to both bbardp. Admission Cards. —-It was recommended that the present system continue, and that definite instructions be given to sisters to obtain all information from the patient, and to Obtain the signature of the patient when possible. Friendly Society In-patients.—Re-commended that the fees charged for friendly society patients remain as at present.

Out-patients.—That the nystem now in vogue, and the charges, be continued.

Nursing Fees. —That district .nurses be instructed to collect fees whenever possible.

Office Assistance.—That the office arrangements -remain as at present, ami that the secretary’s salary be increased to £4'oo a year.

Mr Hall said that if assistance for the secretary had not been approve:;, then he was of the opinion his salary should be increased to at least £425. Mr Tonge had proved, himself a thoroughly efficient officer, and that fact had also been commented upon by the Audit Department.

The chairman stated that the committee had not favoured a larger increase of salary foi; the reason that the board realised that it would have to obtain office assistance in the near future.

In moving the adoption of the report Mr Robinson said that he had agreed with the remarks made by Mr Hah, but wan prepared to accept the finding of the committee in the matter The report was adopted.

The same committee was set up to confer on the amalgamation question.

Mr Tonge briefly returned thanks for the board’s tangible expression of goodwill ami appreciation of his services.