HOSPITAL BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 April 1919, Page 6

HOSPITAL BOARD.

. MONTHLY MEETING* The monthly meeting of the Taranaki Hospital and Charitable Aid Board was held yesterday, there being present: Messrs M. Fraser (chairman), J. Andrews, F. J. Hill, It. Morgan, C. Andrews, S. Campbell, J. Young, G. Capper, and A. H. Haleombe. MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT. The acting Medical Superintendent I Dr. E. P. Fookes) reported that the hospital staff had been kept fully employed during the month. Regret was expressed at the incapacitation of the superintendent (Dr. Walker),, but it was pleasing to be able to report that he was making steady, if slow, progress towards recovery. A large number of military out-patients were dealt with during the month. The number of ■ admissions was 101, discharges 88, deaths 6, operations 50, remaining in the hospital 91), highest number for any day lp7, daily average 95. MATRON'S REPORT. The matron (Miss B. A. Campbell) reported Sisters Bawden and Hilditcli went on holiday leave during the month and Nurse Smart returned to duty on the Cth inst. The domestic question was still a very Berious .one, it being almost impossible to get maids, and in consequence the who had to do the 'work, were finding it very hard. HOUSE STEWARD'S REPORT. The house steward and dispenser (Mr C. F. B. Perrin) reported on matters affecting the repairs to portions of the buildings, and also other Joatterß requiring attention, including ■ the provision of accommodation for the male staff. RANGIATEA HOME. The matron of the Rangiatea Home (Mrs A. Bayly) reported a satisfactory month. There had been two admissions, one departure and one death. There were remaining in the home 35 4jjen and eight women. The discipline was excellent.

HEALTH INSPECTOR'S REPORT. The district health inspector (Mr A. H. Kendall) reported 9 cases of infectious diseases since last Report, one being of diphtheria in Taranaki County, four in New Plymouth, and one in Clifton County; also one of enteric fever in New Plymouth, and one at Inglewood; and one case of tuberculosis in New Plymouth. In addition there had been an outbreak of measles at Rahotu and district, which however, was now abating. FARM REPORT. The farm manager (Mr W. C. Noble) reported everything proceeding satisfactorily. The herd had produced 13,238 lbs of milk for the month. Supplies of eggs and vegetables had been forwarded to the home and hospital. •

PURCHASE OF SUPPLIES. The question of the purchase of supplies was referred to by the chairman, who thought some action: should be taken to eliminate the heavy retailers' profits which the board now had to pay. He stated that the coal bill for the year had amounted to £770, and when tenders had been called for' the supply rone of the merchants would contract. They had communicated with the coalminers and had been referred by them to their local agents. He thought a conference of hospital hoards should go into the matter and see if the State /institutions could not be supplied with coal from the State's own mines. He did not know but what the question of doing without coal altogether should not be considered and electric power utilised. The power would soon be available in New Plymouth. Drapery had cost the board £451 and drugs and surgical instruments* £1320. He considered there was altogether too much middleman's profits being paid by the board. He thought a buying committee might be get up to report direct to the board on the question of supplies. He did not see why the board should put from £4OO to £SOO of the ratepayers' money into the pockets of retailers every year. In reply to Mr Halcombe, the secretary, stated that the X-ray apparatus was not included in the amount paid for surgical appliances.

Mr O. Andrews said he 'remembered that on one occasion a resolution had been passed to the effect that the board should call for tenders for the supply of drugs and only one tender had been received.

Mr Young congratulated the chairman on 'bringing the matter forward, and he thought it might be referred to the finance committee to report upon. The suggestion of Mr Young was adopted. GENERAL.

The finance committee was authorised to make inquiries with regard to securing a suitable site for the purpose of the erection of new offices for the board, and report to the board. The board also decided to transfer their present offices to more convenient buildings. On the motion of the chairman; a very sincere vote of thanks was passed to Mr H. Derby, for the mannfer which he had managed the board's motor; ambulance, and regret was expressed that he was no longer able to take control of it. *

The chairrrian stated that arrangements could be made! for housing the ambulance at '- the hospital, and also that Mr Derby had offered to teach any of the board's staff to drive the car. It was intimated that three of the staff had'' expressed their willingness to under- ;i take the driving of the ambulance. i ! The matter was left in the hands of] the house committee, with power to act..! The following were placed on the probationer nurses list: Misses L. D. Moore, and M. Chapman, New Plymouth, A. Taylor, Bell Block, and M. Robertson, Hawera.

It was decided, subject to the consent of the Minister, to strike a rate on the contributing local bodies of Is 6d in the £IOO capital value to meet the deficiency in hospital and charitable aid maintenance, and of 2 1-fxl in the £IOO to meet interest and sinking fund charges on the loan for the building of the new nurses' home.

Accounts amounting to £849 0s 7d and payments to £923 Us lid, were, passed for payment.