KUMARA HOSPITAL.

Kumara Times, Issue 2517, 15 July 1884, Page 2

KUMARA HOSPITAL.

The following is Mr G. Grabham's (Inspector of Hospitals) special report on the Kumara local Hospital, included in his annual report to Parliament:—

The hospital was visited by me this day. The buildings, which were in progress, are now completed, but the new ward has never yet beeu required for use. It contains only the proper cubic space for three beds, and has been quite spoilt by the cutting-off of a portion of it for a wardens' room and a store. This I pointed out before it was too late to be altered. The ward is not yet furnished, and would scarcely appear to be required at present. The wardswoman's room is too small, and should be enlarged by including in it an otherwise useless recess in the neighbouring passage. I found six patients in the hospital, all of the male sex. Care is taken to exclude chronic cases whenever practicable. The wards look bright and cheerful, and beds and bedding were good and beautifully clean. The whole of the establishment shows signs of industry and good order, the domestic work being all done (washing included) by the wardswoman. The laundry is nothing but a shed, entirely open along one side, and having no fittings but a portable copper. Some improvement is needed here. A garden is being formed round the new building; and vegetables continue to be grown in the kitchen-garden by the Wardsman, who appears but rarely to get any help from the patients in this work. The books are, as visual, well kept, and a proper order-book is now used for obtaining supplies. The outpatients number sixty or seventy yearly, and are seen on any day of the week. Payments by iu-patieuts are seldom made; and those who subscribe to obtain admission often commence to do so after illness has overtaken them. I have no doubt that the hospital is often used by those who could well afford to pay a private medical attendant. Dr. Porter, who has done good work here, has resigned his appoiutment, being about to leave the district. The whole of the patients I found to be quite contented with their treatment.

I visited tkis hospital on the evening of the 7th April, 1884, and found everything in its usual good order. Beds were occupied by eight males anu one female. They ail appeared to be comfortable and well attended to. The kitchen has been enlarged, and much improved, by throwing into it a useless passage, as recommended iu my former report. I also noticed that a garden has been formed adjoining the hospital; there is a grass-plot and some long flower-beds. This is a great improvement. Dr. Porter has been succeeded by Dr. Monckton as Medical Officer. I learn that the maximum number of patients simultaneously treated has been ten. 11th April, 1884.