THE THAMES HOSPITAL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5252, 16 March 1928, Page 1

THE THAMES HOSPITAL.

MONTHLY REPORTS.

PROGRESS DURING FEBRUARY.

At Monday’s meeting of the Thames Hospital Board' the following reports for the month of February were submited: —

REPORT OF SURGEON

The resident surgeon. (Dr. W. Sowerby) reported that during the month 41 males am} 43-fem&Ues had been admitted, and there had been three deaths. Forty-one males and 4u females were discharged and 25 males and 30 females were remaining at date. Ten outpatients had received treatment, involviaj 4'B visits. A total number of. 63 operations had been performed.

In reporting on the work for the month Dr. Sower.by pointed out that the month had been a very busy one, particularly on the surgical side, no less than 63 operations having been performed under an anaesthetic. In January 58 operations were performed, making a total of 121 for the two months. The average number for the year was between 450 and 500, so it would seem that the numbers were well above the average.

A recommendation was made that the Board should purchase four wheeled chairs and one combined carrying and wheeled 1 chair for the transport of sitting-up cases from the wards to the verandahs and grounds. From his knowledge Mr Hall said that the chairs were needed urgently. He remembered that when his wife broke her tleg she had to hop into the ward. The Board had not purchased any chairs for years, and th. e time had arrived When such gear should be brought up to date. Mr J. W. D.anby, as. a member of the hospital committee, s,aid that the hospital was being conducted in a very efficient manner.' He detailed flnumber of minor repairs that were necessary.

On the motion of Mr .Walton it was decided to procure two chairs and to carry out the necessary repairs.

In answer to Mr Brenan the chairman said that there were several chairs in the institutions, but they were in a. state of disrepair. The board had not bought any chairs, for over .12 years, and two .at least were necessary.

It was pointed out b v Mr Lange that Dr. Liggins was receiving something like £ll a week for giving anaesthetics. He thought that definite steps should be taken to obtain the services of a house surgeon. The chairman l said that every endeavour was being made to procure a suitable; house surgeon. . The past .month had been a very heavy one for operations.

In answer to. Mr Lange the chairman said, that there was genera,llly a difficulty in securing suitable probationers, and the list was not a large one.

An instance was quoted by Mr Wallton of two girls from the Hauraki Plains accepting appointments, at the Wellington Hospital. It was no a girl applying and waiting indefinitely for an appointment. It was contended by Mr Danby that more discretionary powers should be given to the matron. Many of the applicants applied to several institutions at t'he same time, and took the first vacancy that came along, irrespective of whether it was at' Thames or elsewhere in. the Dominion. Mr Kennedy said that Thames had had very few failures with the staff. In endorsing that opinion the chairman said that the Thames Hospital had been very fortunate in- regard to its probationers.

The matter was referred to the Hospital l Committee.

MATRON’S REPORT. The matron reported at length on staff and domestic matters. There were four births at the maternity annexe, and three patients and babies were remaining at date. , ENGINEER’S REPORT. The engineer (Mr A- M. Somcrvi|l'le) reported that the- steam laundry had been in daily use during the month, and that everything in his department had been working well. Necessary repairs had received attention, and the coal consumption for the month was 27 tons 2cwt. DISTRICT HOMES. Tlio superintendent of the .District Homes, Tararu (Mr-W. D. Gilmore), reported that there were 15 Inmates at date in the institution, and their conduct was very good.

The recent Tain had created a marked improvement in, the appearance of the farm, and the. lucerne .and mangold crops, particularly, ‘had greatly benefited. The fences, had been repaired and 1 a. new paddock fenced off.