HOSPITAL LAUNDRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 December 1918, Page 2

HOSPITAL LAUNDRY.

URGENT NEED FOR MODERN PLANT The question of the inadequacy of the present laundry arrangements at the New Plymouth Public Hospital has been before the board on several occasions, and it was not surprising, therefore, that, after the recent epidemic, and the heavy demand made upon that branch of the institution, the matter should be. again stressed by the Medical Superintendent. In a special report, Dr. Walker stated that the epidemio bad demonstrated the urgent need for adequate provisions being made for the treatment of infected bedding, ote. The deficient arrangements in the Hospital washhouse and laundry had been their greatest difficulty in combatting with the outbreak. He recommended that arrangements be made for installing a modern equipment in the Hospital building at an early date, in accordance with the best expert advice. A steam disinfecting plant was also an absolute necessity, and would be of great value to the town and district. For the accommodation of this a suitable building would have to be erected. The time would also seem to 'fee opportune for provision of a destructor adequate for all hospital requirements. The present entrance to the Hospital had been a source of difficulty and at times also of danger. He suggested that the question of a suitable approach to the building be gone into at an early date, and the necessary roading and grading undertaken. The iadequacy of the laundry appointments were" also stressed by the Matron in her report. The chairman said the question of providing the institution with a properlyequipped laundry had been before the board on different occasions for a long time, but nothing had been done. He thought the matter could not be delayed any longer. It was pointed out that the fftatter had been considered "by the old Aboard, but it was found impossible to procure the necessary machinery owing to the war. The present board was not responsible for the delay. It was resolved to refer the matter to the Finance Committee, and alao th*t of the suggested installation of 'a destructor and the improvemeat to tile hospital entrant