THAMES HOSPITAL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5446, 10 July 1929, Page 4

THAMES HOSPITAL.

MEETING OF BOARD.

ROUTINE BUSINESS.

The Thames Hospital Board held its monthly meeting on Monday, Mr W. E. Hale presiding over Messrs E. L. Walton, C. W. Parfitt, A. R. Robinson, P. E. Brenan, J. W. Danby, J. Lange, C. Flett, W. C. Kennedy, and the secretary (Mi' G. Tonge). The Late Mr. Hall. Prior to the commencement of business the chairman referred to the passing away of one of the old board members in the person of Mr W. J. Hall. Only last month the board had granted Mr Hall leave of absence to enable him to make a trip round the world for the benefit of his health. While on that trip he had passed away. Mr Hall had been a member of the board for over 12 years, and all would agree that at all times he had given of his best in the interests of the hospital. This was particularly the case at the time of*the influenza epidemic, when for weeks at a time he had placed his services and his car at the disposal of those in need of help in all parts of the district. , The members stood in silence to carry a motion of condolence with Mr Hall’s widow and family and to place on record their appreciation of his services. Charitable Aid. The Hauraki Ladies’ Benevolent Society wrote asking for £lO for charity purposes in Thames.—Granted. Resignations. Nurses E. M. Durie, E. Johnston, E. Skudder, and Sister B. M. Pearce tendered their resignations. On the motion of the chairman the resignations were accepted with regret, and it was decided to send letters of thanks to Sister Pearce and Nurse Durie for services rendered. Mr Danby commented on the fact that ill-health was given as the reason for two of the resignations, and he asked if this was due to working conditions. The chairman stated that the conditions in all respects were the same as had prevailed for years, so the illhealth could not be blamed on to the board. Sister Keith was appointed to Sister Pearce’s place and probationers had been taken on to make up the complement. Surgeon’s Report. The resident surgeon, Dr. W. Sowerby, reported that June ha t been a fail jy busy month in all departments. Thirty-eight males and 53 females had been admitted, there had been three deaths, and 81 patients remained in the hospital. Forty-nine operations had been performed and 90 attendances given to seven out-patients. A recommendation concerning the X-ray plant was forwarded. The cost of the necessary parts to bring the plant up-to-date and to make it thoroughly efficient would be £659. 10s 6d.

The chairman said that the present plant was not satisfactory, and in his opinion never would be. If the board had a competent electrician available and the power was steady it >vould perhaps be worth while improving the plant, but while conditions were as they were, and so long as the board did not have an expert radiologist on the staff, he did not think the expenditure was warranted.

Mr Danby pointed out that in Hamilton there was an X-ray expert, and questioned whether it would not be worth while having him inspect and report on the present plant. Mr Hale agreed, and said that it could not be expected that a hospital like Thames would have the most up-to-date plant. He was of the opinion that if the present plant was improved sufficiently to give reasonably good results it should be sufficient. There were very few cases requiring X-ray. The chairman was authorised to get the Hamilton expert to report on the plant. The Homes. The superintendent of the District Homes, Tararu, reported that two men had been admitted during the month, bringing the total to 20 males and one female. The pasture was fairly good, and the garden was producing sufficient vegetables for the homes, while the egg production was on the increase. Native Nurse. The district nurse to natives, Miss N. Jamieson, Paeroa, reported having made 90 visits, visited the native schools at Kaihere, Kopu, Kerepeehi, and Tairua. and lectured on treatment of influenza and prevention of infection, etc. Native pas and native homes had been visited. Accounts. Accounts totalling £1512 4s 6d were passed for payment.