HOSPITAL BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 March 1919, Page 6

HOSPITAL BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETINa The monthly meting of the Taranaki Hospital and Charitable Aid Board was held yesterday. Mr. F. J. Hill occupied the chair in the absence of Mr. M. Fraser, who was granted leave from the mfeeting. There were also present: Messrs. G. Capper, J. Young, S. Campbell, J. Andrews, C. Andrews, R. Morgan, and A. H Halcombe. MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT. The medical superintendent (Dr. E. A. Walker) reported that the hospital was resuming its normal activity, and a full nursing staff was on duty. Nurses Paget, Milroy, Leach, Waller and Mills passed the State and hospital examinations, the first four gaining places on the distinction list, which was very gratifying to the institution. There were 69 admissions, 52 discharges and three deaths, and the number remaining in the'hospital was 85. The daily average was 71 and the highest number for any one day 85. There were 37 operations. —lt was decided to send a letter of congratulation to the nurses on passing their examinations, and of appreciation of the services of the superintendent and matron. MATRON'S REPORT. The matron (Miss B. A. Campbell) reported that Sister Kennedy went on leave on the 11th inst. and that pupil nurse Smart Vas off on sick leave. Sister Muir, Nurses Farley, Peers, and L. Lansley had returned to duty. Nurses Collins and Fairbrother, having satisfactorily completed their probation, were placed on the permanent stafl. HOUSE STEWARD'S REPORT. The house steward and dispenser (Mr. C. F. B. Perrin) reported on various matters affecting the staff under his control, and also with regard to requirements connected with the buildings, etc. —Matters relating to repairs to the dekalite flooring were referred to the House Committee with power to act. RANGIATEA HOME. The matron (Mrs. A. Bayley) reported a satisfactory month, with one admission and three departures, there being left in the home 43 inmates (females 8 and males 35). * FARM REPORT. The farm manager (Mr. W. C. Noble) reported satisfactory progress. The milk supply had been maintained and from the surplus 4531bs of cream had been sold. A good supply of vegetables and egge had been sent to the hospital and the home. Three fat pigs were disposed of during the month. EPIDEMIC MATTERS.

The following resolution was received from the Wairoa Hospital and Charitable Aid Board: "That the Minister of Public Health, and all hospital and charitable aid boards be written to requesting that, in the event of a second wave of the influenza epidemic, the Government be asked to take steps to bring about some form of conscription in all districts, whereby the public, especially those unmarried, shall be enforced to give aid by nursing the sick, and owners of motors to use the same for removing patients, conveying supplies and performing all other necessary duties in connection therewith."—The Board was of opinion that such a step was unnecessary, and the letter was received. Replies were received from the Okoke, Okato, Egmorit County, Inglewood Public Health Committees regarding the proposal to issue certificates to the workers in the recent epidemic, all of whom were of opinion that the thing was impracticable and undesirable. The Taranaki Education Board, on behalf of the Rahotu School Committee, wrote asking the Board to replace certain articles belonging to the school which were missed when the building was taken over from the medical authorities, and also requesting the removal of hospital equipment left in the shelter shed.—The matter was left in the hands of Mr. Young to inquire into.

GENERAL. Miss Bessie Candy, Hawera, applied for a position on the nursing staff of the hospital.—lt was decided to make the appointment, subject to certain requirements being fulfilled. The secretary reported that, with the Borough Inspector, representatives of the Board hod gone into the question of. the state of the board's cottages in Fulford Street, and that the expenditure of a few pounds on each would effect temporary repairs to the drains, etc., but that sewer drainage was really necessary.—lt was decided to apply to the Borough Council to have the sewer taken along the street.-

Accounts were passed as follows: Payments £76? 4s sd, accounts £1179 16s 4d.