PREPARING FOR EPIDEMIC.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 19 April 1919, Page 2

PREPARING FOR EPIDEMIC.

HOSPITAL BOARD AND GOVERNMENT RECOMMENDATIONS.

I A considerable portion of the PnlI merston North Hospital and Charitable | Aid Board’s meeting on Thursday last • was devoted .to discussing the best | means of preparing for the possibility | of a recrudescence of influenza.

I Several communications were received j from the Public Ht.tith Department, outlining steps which should be taken in

preparation for an outbreak, and vesting power in the Hospital Board to deal with the matter.

The Southland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board wrote protesting against the action of tho Minister of Public Health in forcing Boards to administer the Government’s influenza relief scheme, being of the opinion that the Pensions Department should canyout Minister’s proposals. Mr Nash strongly disapproved tho sentiment expressed by this latter, and strongly supported what the Government had done. On Mr Nash’s motitn a resolution to that effect was carrrjsA unanimously. ~ Y The meeting decided, in accordance with a request from the Public Health authorities, to urge all local bodies to have a "claan-up” week. It was slated that Palmerston North was starting a special "clean-up” on Wednesday, while Feilding had already started a similar work.

It was decided to eat! in all equipment, etc., for the epidemic into tin: Palmerston centre, in readiness for immediate distribution in case of an outbreak of influenza.

The Board discussed at length a scheme submitted by Dr. Whitaker, the suggestion being adopted with slight amendment. After much discussion, it was resolved, on the suggestion of Mr Hornblow, that the medical authorities fco written to, asking their co-operation in dealing with the matter, and requesting them to arrange for medical men to give lectures in various centres throughout the district, giving instructions as to the proper methods of treatment. It was pointed out that in tome districts no medical man or trained nurses were available, and it was very necessary that volunteers should bo trained in readiness for an epidemic.

j Several members insisted that the rc- ’ sponsibility for any temporary kospi- ; tals that should be authorised arid other i expenditure should rest with the Ho** f pitnl Board member*.