THAMES HOSPITAL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5512, 11 December 1929, Page 1

THAMES HOSPITAL.

MEETING OF BOARD. The monthly meeting of the Thames Hospital Board was held on Monday, Mr W. E. Hale presiding over Messrs C. Flett, C. W. Parfitt, E. L. Walton, P. E. Brenan, A. R. Robinson, D. Courtney, J Lange, W. Danby, and the secretary, Mr G. Tonge. Patients at Waihi. Concerning Thames hospital district patients admittted to the Waihi Hospital, the Waihi Hospital Board wrote as follows : “With reference to your letter of the 19th ulto., urgent cases only will be notified, and you will understand we must support our medical superintendent in his decisions as to which are urgent cases.” Notification of the admission as urgent cases of five patients from Karangahake, Waihi Plains, and Waitawheta were received from the Waihi Hospital Board. It was decided to refer the cases to the medical officer for his views on the question of urgency. Charitable Aid. The Thames-Hauraki Ladies’ Benevolent Society applied for and was granted £lO for charitable aid purposes in Thames. Sister Resigns. Sister B. McClean, the newly appointed sister in charge of the maternity annexe, wrote tendering her resignation as from January 1, 1930. The resignation was accepted with regret, the chairman mentioning that she was leaving to take up child welfare work in Hamilton. Hospital Report. The acting resident surgeons, Drs. A. S. Gray and J. B. Liggins, reported that 45 males and 48 females had been admitted during November. Seven had died and 41 males and 48 females had been discharged, leaving 34 males and 35 females in the hospital. Nine outpatients had received 23 attendances, and 45 operations had been performed. The matron reported at length on staff matters. There had been 12 births in the maternity annexe. Donations of fruit would be welcomed. The engineer, Mr F. McLoughlin, reported that the month’s coal consumption had been 41 tons 14cwt. The Homes. The superintendent of the District Homes, Tararu, reported that one man had been admitted during the month, bringing the total to 18—17 men and one woman. The pasture was very good, and the milk production was good and 193 dozen eggs had been produced. On behalf of the visiting committee Mr Robinson reported that the Homes and ground looked very well indeed. There promised to be an abundance of fruit. The Out-district. The district nurse to natives, Paeroa, Miss N. Jamieson, reported having made 156 visits. Schools had been visited and lectures given at Maori pas. Christmas Cheer. On the motion of the chairman it was decided to procure the usual Christmas cheer for patients in the hospital at that time, and to pay all wages prior to the holidays. Accounts. Accounts totalling £1166 Os 2d were passed for payment. House Surgeonship. In reply to Mr Danby the chairman said that up to the present it had not been possible to secure a house surgeon; and the prospects were not bright. Mr Danby pointed out that all over the Dominion big hospitals which had never before experienced difficulty in securing house surgeons were now advertising, competing with each other in the matter of salary. The chairman said that a few years ago the position was worth £l5O a year, and now £3OO was offered. On the motion of Mr Lange it was agreed to advertise the position at £350 per annum and keep.. Nurses’ Tennis Court. As instructed at the previous meeting, the secretary reported on the cost of preparing a tennis court behind the maternity annexe for the use of the nurses. The material required would cost £95 0s 4d. The proposed area would be only two feet from the door of the night nurses’ cottage. Mr Danby suggested making a court on the lawn alongside the hospital. The chairman was of the opinion that this lawn was not suitable at present. Mr Robinson moved that a committee comprising the chairman, Messrs Lange, Courtney, and himself go into the matter. He also pointed out that there was a vacant section alongside the board’s office. Mr Lange said interest and maintenance would cost £2O a year, and he questioned whether it would not be better to make an arrangement with the Methodist Tennis Club for nurses to use those courts. This suggestion was referred to the committee. Paeroa Hospital. In reply to Mr Brenan the chairman said that matters in connection with the Paeroa Hospital were proceeding smoothly. It was likely that the hospital would be opened about March next. The furnishing was now under way, and a contract had been let to Mr Towers, of Paeroa, to stain the floors. Greetings. Being the last meeting of the year, the chairman extended seasonable greetings to members and to the Press. These were reciprocated by Mr Danby on behalf of members.