HOSPITAL REPORTS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5140, 17 June 1927, Page 1

HOSPITAL REPORTS.

THE THAMES INSTITUTION. PROGRESS DURING MAY. The following reports for the month of May were read and approved at Monday’s meeting of the Thames Hospital Board : — SURGEON’S REPORT. The resident, surgeon (Dr. W. Sowe-rby) reported that 36 males and 41 females had been admitted during the month, and 39 males and females had been, discharge.l leaving 29 males and 27 females in the institution. Two males and one female had died during the month. There had been 19 out-patients treated, involving 143 attendances. MATRON’S REPORT. The matron (Miss K. M. Ansennc) reported that nine nurses had sat for their second-year examination and all had passed. Mr. A. Williams’ orchestra had given a concert at the hospital for which grateful thanks were due. In the maternity annexe there had been four births during the month, and three mothers and three babies were in the institution at date. On behalf of the hospital committee Mr A. R. Robinson reported that the X-ray photographs were not satisfactory, and a tube and bulb required renewing. A fresh supply of rubbish pans was also required. Minor repairs to the pantry adjacent to the women’s ward required attention. Mr P. E. Br.enan expressed his displeasure at finding the rear portion of the hospital building in a very untidy condition, and thought the porter should be imide to keep the place in better order, and condition. It might be- advantageous to tar and sand a portion of the area. Repairs to the chairs in the doctor’s study were also in need of urgent attention. The wallpapers also required renewing and cleaning up generally.

Mr C. W. Kennedy asked that some new records for the men’s ward gramophone should be purchased. The secretary reminded the meeting that gramophone records could not be purchased from board funds. It was suggested that the X-ray should be put in order, as soon as possible. The secretary said that a new tube would cost about £3O.

The matters referred to were left in the hands of the chairman, deputychairman, and secretary, with power to act. ENGINEER’S REPORT.

The engineer (Mr A. M, Somerville) reported that the steam radiators were in use throughout the institution. Sundry minor repairs had here carried out, and the coal consumption for the month was 41 tons.

Mr J. W. Danby asked if the board had considered the idea of using crude oil instead of coal for heating the boilers. He believed the conversion of the existing boilers so that crude oil could be used would not be a costly business, and the use of oil would be coniderably. cheaper than coal.

“It is a good proposition if economy can be shown,” remarked Mr Lange. The chairman (Mr W. E. Hale) reminde’d the meeting that the coal was being won and provided in New Zealand, whereas oil would have to be imported. On the motion of Mr W. J. Hall, seconded by Mr C. Flett it was resolved to refer the matter to the engineer for a report to be submitted to the July board meeting. DISTRICT HOMES, TARARU. The superintendent, District Homes, Tararu (Mr W. D. Gilmore), reported that there were 17 male and one female inmates in the homes. Ope female had died after 9% years’ sojourn at the homes. The farm was in good heart, and considerable ploughing, and also renewing of fences, had been carried out. NURSE TO NATIVES. The district nurse to Natives (Miss I. M. Jarrett) reported that she had attended and advised six Europeans and 26 Natives during the month, including three maternity cases. Three* schools had been visited, and also nine pahs. Lectures had been given on infant feeding and typhoid fever. The district was singularly free of sickness at present. PATETONGA NURSE. The Patetonga district nurse (Mrs N. McNamara) reported having attended and treated 14 patients. Fees collected during the month totalled £2 16s 6d.