HOME FOR INCURABLES

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3638, 14 May 1927, Page 3

HOME FOR INCURABLES

DISCUSSED BY HOSPITAL BOARD.

That the money collected during next Hospital Day in Palmerston North Hospital District should be set aside for the purpose of subsequently erecting a building for the accommodation of incurable patients was the opinion expressed by Mr. J. K. Hornblow' at Thursday’s meeting of the Palmerston North Hospital Board. Discussion on this question arose from an announcement by the chairman (Sir James Wilson) in regard to the maternity home, <to the effect that the board would soon he calling tenders for the home. The board had its own land for the site, also the necessary money to erect the building, but the cost of extra furnishing would mean a considerable expense, and it had been suggested that the proceeds of Hospital Day be used for this purpose. In answer to Mr. Hornblow, the managing-secretary stated that the cost of furnishing would be about £SOO which was provided for, but with the sum added from the collections the board would be able to furnish the home by a standard above that of the ordinary - public hospital institution. Mr. Hornblow then expressed the view that accommodation should he provided for incurable eases, and that the proceeds of Hospital Day should be sufficient for this purpose. “It is not right that incurable cases should be accommodated at the Old People’s Home,” said the speaker. “The time has arrived when we must consider the question of providing a special home for these eases.” He said that the board owned land suitable as a site for the building, and a properlyorganised Hospital Day should see this established.

The managing-secretary pointed out that the Old People’s Home as originally designed provided for two rooms to be used by chronic patients, but these were at present being used as bedrooms. It was agreed, on the motion of Mr. Hornblow, that the proceeds from Hospital Day be set aside to provide accommodation for incurable patients. Mr. J. A. Nash M.P., and Mrs. Abraham were appointed to organise the effort.