Palmerston North Hospital Board

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 66, 21 March 1944, Page 7

Palmerston North Hospital Board

Mr. J. A. Nash (chairman) presided at yesterday's meeting of the Palmerston North Hospital Board. The board was present in full strength except for Mr. C. P. Jensen, who sent an apology. It was resolved that a letter of sympathy with him in his illness should be sent Mr. Jensen. Reporting on the gala day, the manag-ing-secretary stated that £852 had come in from the function at the hospital and that the cash donations had amounted to £GO7. He added that the returns did not include bequests or grants. In answer to a question by Mr. Boyce, tho chairman stated that all members of the staff would be entitled to use the bathe. The chairman, referring to the result of the gala day, said that the effort had been a splendid one, and that £1459 was now in hand. Referring to the Christmas appeal for patients in hospital, the chairman said that £430, including £283 by the nurses, had boen collected. He said that the generosity of the citizens of Palmerston North, Feilding, Foxton, Shannon and Gtaki had meant a happier Christmas for all those in hospital. Mr. liodgens moved that the board’s appreciation of the efforts of the chairman and all who had helped at the gala day and with the Christmas appeal, should be placed on record. This was agreed to. In his report the managing-secrotari (Mr. A. J. Phillipps) stated iixat the work on the outpatient block was proceeding satisfactory and that good progress was being made on interior furnishing. He also reported that the work on the Wilson Block would bo completed within a few days and that tne ward would be In occupation early in April. He pientioned that the position in regard to the administration staff was still proving difficult and considerable overtime would require to be worked by most members oi the staff during the next Tew weeks. It was agreed that the annual meeting of the board be held on Thursday, April 27. Dr. T. O. Gilbert (acting medical superintendent) reported the number of patients admitted during February was 404, that the daily average oi occuyiebeds was 298.93 and that the number of patients remaining in the hospital on 29/2/44 was 292. The report stated that 25 infectious cases had been admitted during February—3 meningitis, 8 diphtheria, H scarlet fever, 2 erysipelas and 1 hydatid. Twenty-two patients were admitted to the Maternity Home during February and 21 babies were born during the month. The daily average of occupied beds was 11.1. Three patients were admitted to the Foxton Maternity Home and two babies were born, the daily average of occupied beds being two. A letter drawing attention to the fact that the Foxton Maternity Home was overcrowded was received from the Diree tor-General of Health who asked if the board had proposals for improving the position. Mr, l’hillipps said the home had not been as crowded recently but he said that tho home in Dalmereton North had been crowded. Mr. Hodgens said he had been asked if someth.ng could be done for a woman who had tried to get a bed for about September, She had been advised that a bed would not be available for her at that time, Mr. North (medical superintendent) stated that there were 23 beds in the Palmerston North home and that they were always booked up. Mr. V. E. Smith suggested that the pro posed Feilding home would effect some relief. In answer to a question from Mr. Smith, Mr, Phillipps stated that when the Wilson Block was ready there would be uoi) beds available at the Palmerston North Hospital. The managing-secretary reported that the Controller and Auditor-General had forwarded the certified statement of accounts for tho year ended 31/3//43. He added that there were no tags. Mr. A. E. Mansford suggested that the board’s congratulations should be extended to Mr. Phillipps. He added that it was not easy to-day to get through without a Mr. Phillipps said that the clerical staff had done great work. Ho mentioned that two qualified members of the staff ' had left recently. Mr. J- Hodgens, M.P., suggested that the quality of those remaining was higher than might have been anticipated. Mr. I’hillippß agreed with that. In the inward correspondence was. a letter front the Director-General of Health approving of the proposal to appoint a full-time senior physician. Mr. J. H. North (medical superin tenddent), in answer to a question, stated that | as the average of occupied beds had Increased and would Increase still further he did not anticipate that.