Accommodation for Tubercular Patients in P.N.

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 66, 21 March 1944, Page 6

Accommodation for Tubercular Patients in P.N.

Mr. J. H. North, medical superintendent of the Palmerston North Hospital, submitted a report to yesterday’s meeting: of the board dealing with the question of accommodation for tuberculosis patients at the Palmerston North Hospital. In the report he mentioned'that the present accommodation available for such patients was not satisfactory and that the tuberculosis annexe, the main portion of which was built in 100 S, with additions in 1926, contained 16 beds. He also mentioned that at the recent tuberculosis conference in Palmerston North the Health Department estimated the total bed requirements for tuberculosis patients at Palmerston North at 70 and commented on the inadequate old accommodation for these patients at Palmerston North. In conclusion Mr. North summarised his recommendations as under:— 1. The use of Ward 11 as an acute chest ward. 2. The provision of a 50-bed block for tuberculous patients. 3. The planning of a limited number of hutments at Awapuni—unless there was some early prospect of the development of national tuberculosis colonies. 4. The appointment of a full-time physician from April 1 next with special qualifications for tuberculosis work. After an informal discussion the chairman (Mr. J. A. Nash) moved that a copy of the report be forwarded to the Health Department requesting approval in respect to that portion dealing with the proposed erection of a 50-bed hospital and hutments at Awapuni for tuberculosis patients. This was seconded by .Mr. G. A. Monk and carried.