HOSPITAL BOARD.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16485, 26 February 1914, Page 5

HOSPITAL BOARD.

YESTERDAY'S MEETING.

The North Canterbury Hospital and Charitable Aid Board met yesterday, present—Messrs F. Horrell (chairman),'H. B.Sorensen, G. Scott, W. H. Cooper, W. W. Tanner, R. M'Millan, A. H. Turnbull, 0. Bradley, R. Moore J. D. Hall, H. J. Otley and J. Davidsou, Mesdames J. L. Wilson and Christie and Dr Fenwick.' HOSPITAL MATTERS. The Hospital Committe reported that the contract for keeping the grounds of the Kaikoura Hospital in order had been cancelled, as the work was carried out, .in a very unsatisfactory manner. Dr Robertson, senior house surgeon to the Chnstchurcli Hospital for the past year, had completed his engagement; and Dr Sinclair had taken his position. Dr Widdowson would leave atthe end of this month, when .the positions of junior house surgeons would be filled by Drs Hercus and Trotter. The provision of meals to non-resident employees of the Hospital had been discontinued. The new buildings in course of ejection' were progressing rapidly, and materials were now coming to hand freely. The contractor for the administration block was hopeful of catching up much of the tinw lost through the strike. The report was adopted. The medical superintendent of the Christchurch Hospital reported for the month ending January 31 that 247 patients had been admitted and 214 discharged : during; the month.*> There had been 14' deaths. There were 182 patients remaining from the previous month at the beginning of January, and at the end of January there were 201 patients in the institution. There were 202 operations under ansesthetuia during the month.'. The report was adopted.

PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE. The Public Health Committee reported that the health inspectors had reported inquiries during the month of January into 10 cases of scarlet, fever. 5 of diphtheria, 1 of enteric fever, 19 of tuberculosis, 3 of puerperal fever, 6 of chickenpox, 1 of erysipelas and 1 of infantile paralysis. Thirty-five disinfections were carried out,' and 118 othei inspections and inquiries were madeThe number of scarlet . fever cases, at .Bottle, Lake Hospital had decreased to eight. : Eight tenders had been received for the extension of Bottle Lake' Hospital, and that of Mr J. Searlo had been accepted at £I4BO. The architect's estimate was £1420. Mr Cuthbert had submitted a report on the drainage and sanitary fittings at tho Sanatorium. The system might be regarded as generally satisfactory, and the Board was asked to authorise the committee to give effect ~to certain small improvements suggested, provided they met with. the approval of the Heathcote County Council, which was the local nuthoritj for the district. The Drainage Board had forwarded an agreement, to be sealed by the Board, which governed the discharge of effluent from the septic tank at the Sanatorium into the Heathcote River, an annual fee of £l being charged. The committee had the matter under consideration when it was glinted out that the Heathcote County oiincil disputed the right of the Drainage Board to control the river. It' was decided to seek the advice of V.-thb Board's 1 solicitors as to whether the agreement should be entered into. Since the above decision, it had come to public knowledge that the question of control was likely to be settled between the bodies principally concerned. The chairman of the Board therefore consulted the chairman of the committee, and'it was decided to take no action with regard to an opinion, but to leave it to tho Board to decide whether it would not be. wise to seal the agreement and pay the fee claimed, on the understanding that a' refund might be applied for m the' event of it being shown that the Drainage Board had no right to make such charge. The report was adopted. CONSUMPTION SANATORIUM.

Dr Duncan's report from'the Consumption Sanatorium showed that on December 31 there wore 53 patients in residence. During January seven patients were admitted, and seven were discharged. The report was adopted. financial;

The Finance Committee reported that it had passed for payment accounts amounting to £6056 12s'8d. A contract for plumbing work in the administration' block had been, entered into with Mr J. Smith for £455. , The Tramway Board had'purchased a portion of the Twigger Estate at the corner of Lincoln Road and St Leonard Street for street widening. The report was adopted.