TARANAKI HOSPITAL BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 October 1917, Page 7

TARANAKI HOSPITAL BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the New Ply.' mouth Hospital and Charitable Aid Board was held yesterday when there were present: Messrs M. Fraser J Young, F. J. Hill, E. Gilmour, W. Binnie and C. Andrews. An apology for absence was received from Mr. M. J. McReynolds. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. Mr. Gilmour propoWA and Mr Jas. Young seconded, thai Ltr. M. Fraser unanimously carried. In thanking the membt# * t -Ha Boari for thus honoring him ths cffalrmai he hoped the members of the new boarS; would take an early opportunity of visiting the hospital and the Old People's Home and see for themselves what was the actual state of affairs, and mak» themselves conversant with conditions, and take a genuine interest in the institutions. He could only accept the position of chairman permanently, providing a deputy chairman was appointed. The appointing of a deputy chairman was left over till the meeting of the new board next niflnth. Messrs Fraser, Hill and Young were appointed a committee to deal with any matters of urgency that might arise before the next hoard meeting. MEDICAL SUPERINTENDANT'S REPORT. Dr. Walker reported that during the month of September 92 patients had been admitted, 163 were discharged, and there were 94 cases remaining. The highest number on any day was 118, and the average for the month was 109.5. Fortynine operations were carried out. Tho month was the busiest in the history of the hospital, and the staff had responded well, and the work had proceeded smoothly and satisfactorily. Fewer cases of scarlet fever were treated than during the previous month, and those were not of a serious type. Cases ot diphtheria were still' cropping up, but these, too, were not of a serious type. Twelve soldiers were treated as hospital patients and 16 had received out patient treatment. OLD PEOPLE'S EOME. The matron (Mrs. Bayley) reported that the institution was progressing favorably. Supplies had been altogether satisfactory and the discipline was excellent. During the past month there was one departure, one admission and three deaths, and the present inmates were 37 males attd six females. HEALTH INSPECTOR'S REPORT, Mr. A. H. Kendall (health inspector) reported that 12 cases of infectious disease, scarlet fever, tuberculosis and diphtheria, had been notified in the Taranaki district, the cases being at Spotswood, Oakura, Frankleigh road, Barrett road, Lepperton and Durham road. There were also one case of Searletina, seven eases of diphtheria, one of tuberculosis and one caße of puerperal septicaemia within the borough. Two cases of typhoid were notified in the Egmont Couirty, at Opunake and Pungarehu. One ease of tuberculosis was notified at a house just outside Tikorangi in the Clifton County. All the cases were visited and disinfection promptly carried out. and in every case proper precautions had been taken to prevent the spread of infection. All cases were reported to the district health officer. At various times during the month he had inspected bakers, butchers' and fruit shops and premises where food was prepared. Samples of milk as sold by various vendors were forwarded to the Dominion analyst, and as a result of his examination two warnings were given. Further action -would probably be taken in a third case. OTHER REPORTS. Mr. C. F. B. Perrin. dispenser and house steward, reported on the work done during the past month. Miss Elliott, district nurse at Opunake, reported that she had treated 36 cases, and made 53 visits. Mr. W. C. Noble, farm manager at the Old People's Home, reported that good progress was being made on the farm. He made special mention of the splendid work of one of the inmates (J. Riley), who took greater interest in the garden and did more solid work than the average well paid man would do. E. E. Jury, assistant on the farm, had been drawn in the ballot, and if lie v?ere passed "his loss would be very much felt, as he had been a thoroughly faithful and trustworthy man. Jury had already volunteered, but been rejected. CORRESPONDENCE. There was considerable discussion over correspondence relating to the contract for the supply of beds for the new hospital, but the matter was deferred and will be again discussed by the new board. Mr. C. F. Perrin, dispenser and liouse steward, wrote asking that his residence should be permanently connected to the hospital by telephone, and pointing out that he should be in touch with the hospital at all times, as urgent medicines might be wanted at any hour. The telephone had been left on by the previous occupant. —Granted. J. McNeill wrflte that he wns sustaining heavy financial loss in fulfilling his contract in srroceiy supplies, as practically every line had advanced in price. He'asked that the board should, if possible, grant an advance on some of the lines he had tendered for.— I The.chairman said that if the request were acceded to it would be unfair to others who had tendered for the supply but had been' long-sighted enough to look forward to increased prices. The matter was left in the hands of the chairman and Mr. Hill. GENERAL, Four applications for the position of night porter at the hospital had been referred to the house steward, who recommended that Mr. R. Browne should be appointed—Confirmed. Accounts amounting to £2861 wer# passed for payment. Tli n action of the chairman and Mr. Gilmour, in authorising certain additional work in connection with the alterations to the old hospital, .iad converting it into an isolation block, was confirmed.