CARE OF THE STRICKEN

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12616, 29 November 1926, Page 12

CARE OF THE STRICKEN

EXTENSIONS TO HOSPITAL CENTRALISATION SCHEME TAKING EFFECT IMPOSING MODERN STRUCTURES Sickness umony>t «v community i* ever prevalent, and the stricken demand scrupulous care and attention. There is a continual influx of patients into institutions constructed for this purpose, and no sooner is one bed vacated than it is occupied again. There has been a pressing demand for additional accommodation at the Wellington Hospital in recent months, but this demand is being met by the erection of a now admission and outpatient block, making provision for aministrative offices, and also the urological block, at the rear of the main new buildirfg. These imposing structures, which will enhance the architectural features of ♦Wellington South, arc replete with every modern equipment that tends towards hospital efficiency, and will cost approximately £150,000. The work is well in hand, and the Minister for Health (Hon. J. A. Anderson) will, on Thursday afternoon next, lay the foundation stone of the new’ buildings. PROVISION FOR FUTURE The extensions are the first and principal steps towards the policy adopted by the Wellington Hospital Board of not only extending but modernising the institution. The original hospital was begun in 1878, and since then new wards and annexes have been added, until to-day the buildings are scattered over a wide area. The present extensions ■ aim at centralisation, which was not a striking feature of the earlier structures, anti makes adequate provision for many years to come. Ln addition, more accommodation is being provided, and certain sections of the present building can be subsequently vacated to allow of the construction of 'future wards in an ideal position. The additions under construction consist of two buddings—one the administrative and other offices; and the other a throe-storiecl pavilion ward block. The building adjacent to Ridditord street consists of a semi-basement and three stories. This will allow all ambulance cases to be received uuder cover at one entrance instead of, as at present, three places. Here also in the basement w r iJi be an ambulance station, where ambulances will bo ready for city or hospital calls. New offices for the social welfare department are being provided. On the ground floor there will be a complete now outpatients 7 department . v OR EMERGENCY CASES An operating theatre for minor accidents and emergencies will be adjacsnt, and also casualty ward. A small ward for children who need only be in for a day or two is to be in the north-eastern wing, where the sun will have access all day long. On the floor above will be tiie boaru morn and offices for the medical superintendent, secretary, and matron; also quarters for women house surgeons> In addition, there will be nurses’ lecture and demonstration rooms. Tho dental department will also be located here, and will be a great convenience to patients. When the building is occupied, tho interior of the existing, outpatients’ and laboratory section will be remodelled; and the physio-therapeutic and X-rav departments will be housed here. The physio-therapeutic department is now split up into three making administration difficult. Under the proposed new arrangement the massage and the plaster and splint departments will be all together. CLASSIFICATION OF PATIENTS . Ihe new pavilion behind the administration block consists of three main wards, with a number of small wards which will allow of hotter classification and separation of patients. Balconies and sun-rooms have been arranged for, and in the lay-out of the wards an attempt lias been made to reduce the unnecessary work of the nurses. In addition to the wards, there are three special examination departments for in-patients and outpatients. Here a complete urological department is being provided—the first in New Zealand. In both buildings particular regard has been paid to the development of the out-pati-ent department, and with a view tc treating as many patients as possible as out-patients, thus reducing correspondingly the need of bed accommodation. Due regard has also been Had to the recommendations of the Commission on Venereal Diseases, and all facilities for free and private treatment will be provided. Provision is being made for n new laundry, kitchen, power-house, and stores department. It is expected that the new building. which has been in course oT conduction for some time, will be completed about September next. The interior arrangements will be in accordance with the recommendations of the medical superintendent (Dr. D. Macdonald Wilson) after his special visit to the United States and Canada to study tho most modern methods of hospital construction and “quipment.