HOSPITAL BOARD.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 244, 12 September 1940, Page 8

HOSPITAL BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the Dannevirke Hospital Board was held on Wednesday, there being present the chairman (Mr L. Stein) and Messrs J. Aliller. A. b n £h land, A. 11. Hansen, W. Galloway, U A. Sutton, R. 11. Morgan, and P. L. Smith. The medical superintendent (Ur. W. Bccdie) reported that on September 1 there were 71 patients (26 men, 21 women, and 18 children) m hospital, inclusive of one in isolation V , scarlet fever. During August 41 surgical operations were performed, and 333 cases were X-raved, the majority of the latter on behalf of the military authorities. Miss McCormick, the masseuse, was leaving; she had done good work at the hospital. it was decided that a letter conveying the board’s appreciation of her services be sent to Aliss McCormick. Ihe appointment of Miss K. IC. Murray, a post-gradu-ate of Guy’s Hospital. London, was confirmed. The acting-matron (Miss L. HLicpst) reported gifts of flowers from Mcsdaines Smellie and Willis and Mr Butler-Harrison; and magazines from an anonymous donor. The chairman commented on the very generous quantity ot these gifts, particularly from Mrs Smellie, and the secretary was instructed to convey the board’s appreciation. In reply to Mr England’s enquiry regarding the maternity ward, the chairman informed the board that there had been two maternity cases to date, and that there were eight booked in. Mr Miller drew attention to the likelihood of there being 1000 or more soldiers camped in the locality, and raised the question of the board s preparedness to deal with • the possible contingency of an epidemic. The chairman stated that the isolation block and other accommodation available would enable the board to cope with about 60 such cases immediately. Information regarding sterilising plants, etc., was considered at length, and authority was. given to proceed with the installation of the equipment and structural work decided upon. Mr Sutlon having »ressed the importance of regular fire-drill being carried out by the stall, the chairman stated that attention was being given this matter, the Young Women’s Auxiliary (Transport Section) was given permission. to use the ambulance for practice m handling patients.