HOSPITAL BOARD

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 23, 13 April 1938, Page 4

HOSPITAL BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING The monthly meeting of the Opotiki Hospital Board was held at the County Chambers on Friday afternoon.. Present: Messrs F. J. Short (chairman), G. J. Neilson, S. Maxwell, a Shalfoon, J. McDonnell, Dr. H. J. Mhil (medical superintendent), Apologies for absence were received from Messrs G. S. Moody, J. H. Reid and G. F. Powell. .Outward correspondence was read and approved. A letter was received from the Department of Health, Gisborne, concerning tlie. District Nurse’s residence at Little Awanui. The secretary stated that the letter had been replied to. The matron, Miss McLean, wrote thanking the Bbard for its letter of appreciation andi the cheque forwarded. The secretary of the Opotiki 11.5. A. forwarded the names of four additional members to be placed 'on the list in connection with the scheme for hospital treatment. A cheque as members’ donations was enclosed. Mr R. M. Bell waited on the Board in connection with the painting of his shop. The board had agreed t 0 the painting of tlie shop, estimating the cost to be approximately £6 or £B. When the' work was commenced it was. found that the walls were in such a bad eonditon that it was necessary to apply three coats of paint. This had not been anticipated and tlie total cost was meeting tlie board agreed to then pay £lO. Mr. Bell pointed out the extra expense he had had wit-li additions amounting to some £4OO, and he had. also found it necessary to add an extra skylight. Mr Bell asked tlie Board to reconsider the position and decide whether they could meet him further in the cost. It was agreed to contribute £ls of-the total cost. A letter was received from the Hospital Board’s Association stating that the annual subscription of £2 was due. Payment of the amount was approved. A statement of ceeNpCo and expenditure for the yoi- era i d March 31. 1938, was presented by the secretary. Estimates m both eases were exceeded. It was pointed out that there had been an increase in wages

winch bad not been anticipated. The date, of Dr Sho-i s next visit was announced. j > . ' linprovemnts which ha-1 been effected in the kitchen of the hospital were given. The secretary had suggested further improvements which might be effected by pulling down the of the old range whndi. and erecting a double-sided board which would render a muJ.i needed want. Mr Wylde forwarded an estimate of £3B 15s for the work required. Mr Merry said that tins amount would be' added to the estimates for tlie current financial yea* and at the suggestion of Mr Maxwell it was agreed to visit the hospital and get an idea of the work required. It was agreed to forward a donation of £5 plus tax to Sister Eraser m recognition of her services as acting matron. A requisition for further supplies of hospital linen wag forwarded by the matron. An estimate of the cost was given by Messrs Gibbous and Patterson Ltd; of Wellington The amount was £Bl 3s 2d. The question of endeavouring to' get the supplies locally wa s raised and after some discussion it was decided to ask local firms to quote. Matron's Report. Tlie matron presented her monthly report as follows: —Hospital was busy during the month but is quiet at present. Sister Dalgairns returned to duty on the 24th. inst but after a few nights on duty her ankle . was not satisfactory and she was given a further two weeks leave. Sister Linton is still relieving. The position of porter was filled by B. Ainery on the 11th. inst. and the grounds etc., are showing a marked; improvement. Mrs S. McKenzie commenced as cook on tlie 27th. inst. The kitchen in. its present condition is very discouraging; to the staff working in it. We have to thank the following for gilts to the hospital: Sunshine League, pyjamas ; Mr G. L. Day, fish ; Mr G.' F. Joblin, apples; Mr S. Shalfoon, vegetables; Messrs AY. F. Cressweil and C. I). Brown, papers and magazines, and several others for various gifts and who did not leave their names. Nurse Austen has tendered her resignation to take effect on the 3Utii. April. The Medical Superintendent reported as follows-. Patients admitted 32, discharged; 34, deaths 4. remaining in hospital 13. Accounts, amounting to £llO4 were passed for payment.