TAIHAPE HOSPITAL.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 160, 21 July 1916, Page 3

TAIHAPE HOSPITAL.

MORE ACCOMMODATION. NEEDED., INFECTIOUS WARD TO BE ADDEE. It has been recognised for some time past that the Taihape Hospital was steadily extending its scope of usefulness so far as the Main Trunk districts are concerned, and that requirements were in the direction of auditions to the building. The question, it will be remembered, came up for discussion at the last monthly meeting of the Wanganui Hospital Board, but was deterred until the July meeting, in order that the happening might take place at the Taihape Hospital, and opportunity of seeing the exact post ticn on the spot. In accordance with that decision the Board held its monthly meeting at Taihape on "Wednesday, and both Dr Boyd and Matron Rilling gave, at the request of the Board, their opinion on the proposal submitted. The Taihape staff were unanimous that an infectious ward, fully equipped with at least four ben -. was required to overcome the congestion mac obtained; in fact just imw tininstitution was overcrowded, in consequence of an outbreak cf diptheria, of which there were seven cases in the hospital. The question was asked whether the public of Taihape would subscribe with a view to assisting financially, and Dr Boyd replied that he thought so. The Chirman said no doubt the public would give well, if asked, but the Board had to guard against asking for public subscriptions more than was recessary. There was such a thing as taxing the purse too much. At Wanganui, for instance, there were sen m a! requirements at the hospital, but roving to the want of finances and the injudiciousness of asking for monetacy help at the present time, they simply had to wait for a more favourable occasion. Mr Bennett said he was quite satisfied that the eect cf the war would be in the direction of taxing hospital accommodation to the very utmost. He was equally certain that if the public were approached there would be a generous response. In fact, only the other day one prominent settler

bad expressed the opinion that the farmers bad not subscribed as liberally towards the funds of the hospital as they should have done. This seemed to be the general opinion. The whole thing was a question of organisation. In reply to a query from Mr Hine, the Chairman said that there was spare accommodation at Wanganui. Mrs Comyns: : We have a whole ward vacant. Mr Hine: Well, I think we should consider the advisability of acquiring a properly equipped ambulance instead of erecting a ward and increasing the Taihape staff as suggested. Air Hine considered that the ambulance would meet requirements, as cases could be easily conveyed to Wanganui, where there was a large and well-equipped hospital and a good staff waiting for them. ■ Mr Bennett said that if the people were willing to do their share in raising funds, the Hospital Board should place no obstacles in the way. Ho asked what the proposed increase to the buildings would cost. The Chairman: Approximately about £7OO part from the Government subsidy. Air Hine: Then there are the two extra nurses and additional upkeep to consider. I still hold the opinion that an ambulance would meet the present requirements. Dr Skerman: The distance raises a serious objection to the ambulance proposition. For instance, typhoid cases could not. be removed without serious danger to patients. Air AlcGregor: I think that an infections ward is necessary. Eventually it was resolved, on the motion of the Chairman, that a letter embodying the opinions expressed by Dr Boyd and the Matron, be drawn up and submitted to th e Taihape Executive for approval prior to forwarding the same to the Inspector-General of Hospitals, for consideration.