THAMES HOSPITAL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5125, 13 May 1927, Page 1

THAMES HOSPITAL.

- « SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS. At Monday’s meeting of the Thaim’s Hospital and Charitable Aid Board the medical superintendent (Dr. W. Sowei'by) reported that 42 males and 46 females had been admitted during the month, 40 males and 34 females had been discharged, and 34 males and 37 females were remaining at date. Nine out-patients had been treated, involving 61 attendances. Operations totalled 43, and there hail been four deaths. HEATING OF WARDS. “Until such time a< ‘official winter’ commences I would suggest that the radiators be put on from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. 1.1 this were done it would add greatly to the comfort of the patients.” AMOUNT OF SALARY. “I believe that my predecessors, Drs. Ritchie and Gray, both received remuneration at the rate of £650 a year. If my services have been satisfactory I would suggest that my salary be raised to tlm- same amountthe increase, if granted, to take effect as from the beginning of thi< financial year.” SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENTS. “Before the new isolation is completed it will be necessary to run a fence round it to keep out visitors. Unless this is done we shall be unable to keep friends of patients away from the verandah.

“At the preset time the linol?um in all the- wards and side rooms is worn out, making the cleansing of wards a difficult matter, also being dangerous to walk on owing to frayed and elevated edges. I would suggest that this be replaced as soon as possible.

“The ice chest in connection with the. main hospital main kitchen is lined with cork, with the- result that it is continually moist and mildewed. This, of course, is insanitary, but there seems no way of remedying this defect apart from the reconstruction of the. whole outfit. If this step is decided upon I would suggest that ice retainers be made large enough to take square blocks, and also of easy access to clean. It is impossible to ■clean tire present ice-chests.” The chairman (Mr. W. E. Hale) said that the fence referred to was a necessity, and he could not understand why the department had failed to make provision for it. In answer to Mr E. L. Walton the secretary said that the cost would be about £4O or £5O.

Tiie matter was left in the hands of the. chairman, with power to act. In regard to the linoleum, Mr Walton moved *that it be replaced in the kitchen, scullery, and fever ward at once. The renewal of the remainder, he thought, could stand over for the time, being.

Seconded by Mr A. R. Robinson and carried.

Referring to the condition of the-ice-chest, Mi” C. IV. Kennedy said he considered that there was no necessity to have the whole outfit scrapped. but some, repairs were necessary. It was resolved to refer the matter to the chairman, with power to act. Discussing the question of an increase in the medical superintendent’s salary, the. chairman contended that Dr. Sowerby should carry on for the full twelve months at the present rate.

Mr Walton pointed out that there was no suggestion that the services of Dr. Sowerby had not been satisfactory.

The Chairman : No. none whatever

Mr Robinson contended that the medical superintendent should be responsible for all operations performed. but there was no reason why a patient should not have his or her particular surgeon if desired. At the present time Dr. St-werby was away from the institution.

In reply to Mr Danby the chairman said that adequate arrangements had been made- to allow Dr. Sower! y a few days’ holiday.

The medical superintendent should be held responsible for all operationscontended Mr Hall, but if reliablesubstitutes had been appointed lie supposed it was all right. The chairman reminded the members that they were getting away from the point.

Mr Brenan said that so far as the capabilities-of Dr. Sowerby were concerned he understood that they were satisfactory, but he moved that until Dr. Sowerby -had given 12 months’ service his salary be not reviewed until the expiry of that time. The resolution was seconded by Mr Walton and carried.