HOSPITAL REPORTS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5216, 14 December 1927, Page 4

HOSPITAL REPORTS.

THE THAMES INSTITUTIONS. PROGRESS DURING NOVEMBER. The following reports for the month of November were submitted and approved at Monday’s meeting of the Thames Hospital and Charitable Aid Board:— SURGEON’S REPORT. The resident surgeon Dr. W. Sowerby) reported that 34' male ajid 34 female patients were admitted during the month, and 36 males and 38 females were discharged, leaving 31 males and 17 females in the institution at date. One male had died of septic endocarditis. In the outpatients department 11 patients were treated, involving 64 attendances. The report also stated that the X-ray plant was not working satisfactorily and extra parts were necessary to bring it up to" an efficient standard.

The chairman said that the extra tubes for the plant would be an expensive matter, but something would have to be done.

The question of purchasing the extras and having the plant overhauled by an expert from Auckland was left in the hands of the chairmanl.

In reply to Mr C. W. Kennedy the chairman said that it would probably mean an expenditure of about £lO. It was pointed out by Mr Danby that radiology had reached a very high standard, and he did not think any of the board members were competent to recommend anything be'ng done to the plant. It was a matter for the Auckland, expert, and the board would have to be guided by hjis recommendation. MATRON’S REPORT. The matron, Miss K. M, Ansenne, reported at length on domestic and staff matters. Of the staff, Nurse Tomlinson had passed the State maternity examination with over 90 per cent, of marks. The matron also pointed put that Sister Barker had come first for New Zealand in the midwifery examination, and it was- to be regretted that the credit did not count to the Thames Hospital. MATERNITY ANNEXE. In the inaternity annexe there were seven births, and three mothers and babies were remaining at date. It was explained by the chairman, in answer to Mr A. R. Robinson, that Thames could not wholly claim credit for Sister Barker’s success because she had latterly been trained at StHelen’s. A resolution was passed recording the board’s, appreciation and extending congratulations to the nurses concerned, CHANGE OF UNIFORMS. On behalf of the hospital visiting committee Mr C. W. Kennedy suggested that instead of the present style of ‘ uniform for the nurses' a white overall should be supplied simi-, lar to those worn by the Waikato Hospital staff. The overalls were very comfortable, and were cheaper and more easily laundered;, The chairman (Mr W. E, Hale) said that the matter had been mentioned to him also. He supposed the board would have to adapt itself and keep pace with changing fashions, but he did not know if the overalls were .any great advantage over the present uniforms. Mr Danby: “It is a brave man who would express an opinion on women’s fashions.’’ It was resolved to leave the matter in the hands of the matron, chairman and Mr Danby. ENGINEER’S REPORT. The engineer, Mr A. M. Sommer-: ville, reported that with the exception of reepairs to the hydro-,extrac-tor and a main steam stop-valve everything had worked satisfactorily. The inspector of machinery had paid his annual visit and had issued the necessary certificates. The coal consumption for the month totalled 35 tons 14cwt. Application was made by t|ie engineer for annual leave, to commence from the end of December.

The report was approved and leave of absence granted, TARARU DISTRICT HOMES.

The superintendent of the District Homes, Tararu, reported that there were 16 male and one female inmates.

In reporting it was stated that the farm was, needing rain badly. What little pasture there was, was drying off rapidly, and the newly sown grass paddocks had made little progress for want of moisture. Similar conditions applied to the garden. To make matters worse, the water supply at times was practically, nil. Sufficient pressure could not be obtained for flushing or watering during the day time. It was understood that the mains and pipes were badly blocked with mineral deposits. The secretary said that he bad taken the matter up with the Borough Council, and had been advised that to renew and enlarge the mains would cost about £4OOO. The chairman said that the water supply was a serious matter. Mi- Parfitt thought it would be advisable to instai additional watertroughs in case of emergency. It was suggested by Mr Robinson that it might be well for the board to consider putting down an artesian bore. Mr Danby said that the Borough Council was considering the question of the water supply for the whole of Tararu. The matter was referred to the homes committee to confer with the Borough Council. PATETONGA DISTRICT NURSE'. The Patetonga district nurse, Mrs McNamara, reported having attended ten patients during the month. NURSE TO NATIVES. The district nurse to Natives, Miss J. iM. Jarrett, reported that she had attended and advised 40' Maoris and six’Europeans during the month ; also one birth and two deaths. Schools at Tairua, Hikuai, Paeroa, and Te 'Ardha had been visited, also 12 pahs, and lectures given on skin diseases and general health matters.