TARANAKI HOSPITAL BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 February 1920, Page 2

TARANAKI HOSPITAL BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Taranakl Hospital and Charitable Aid Board was held at the Board's office, New Plymouth, yesterday. Present: Messrs M. Eraser (chairman), .1. Andrews, C. Andrews, F. J. Hill, E. Gilmour, A. H. Haleombe, G. Young, J. Young, S. Capper, and Cameiron. MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT. Dr. E. F. Fookes (acting Medical Superintendent) reported that for the month of January the number of patients admitted to the hospital was 110; discharged 70; died 3; remaining In hospital 104; highest number for one day 10S; dally avtiage 83.9; number of operations 04. The unonth had been a very heavy one. Influenza eases of a mild type had been admitted to the hospital. Diphtheria was somewhat on the Increase, ono case in hospital being of a serious nature. Owing to shortage of labor the staffs, both nursing and domestic, had had a busy month, MATRON'S REPOItT. The matron (Miss B. A. Campbell) reported that nurses on holiday leave were:—Misses Peers (January 24), Nilson (February 7), Hirst (February 9), and Sister Muir (February 10); nurses on sick leave: Nurse Taylor (February 13); returned from holiday leave: Nurses Collins and Peers, Sisters Hamblyn and Milroy (February 7); returned from sick leave: Nurse Wlnfield (February 10). Miss Lambie commenced as a probationer on February 4. The domestic problem for the last six. weeks has been particularly acute. HEALTH INSPECTOR'S REPORT. Mr. A. H. Kendall (District Health Inspector) reported that 29 cases of infectious diseases had been notified since last report, consisting of scarlet fiiver (2 cases), diphtheria (7), influenza (19), and pneumonic influenza (1). Of these cases.3 of diphtheria and.4 of influenza occurred- in the Taranakl County; 1 of scarlet, fever, 1 of diphtheria, and 8 of influenza in New Plymouth Borough; 3 of ■diphtheria in Waitara Borough; 2 of influenza in Inglewood Borough; 2 of diphtheria and 1 In Inglewood Borough; 2 of diphtheria and 1 of Influanza, in the Egmont County; and 1 scarlet, fever, 4 influenza and 1 pneumonic influenza in the Clifton County. It was satisfactory to bote that most of the influenza cases were of a mild nature. HOUSE STEWARD'S REPORT. Mr. C. F. B. Perrin (Dispenser and House Steward) reported that the carpenters were lmsy making alterations to the Old Hospital for accommodation for tlio male staff. Mr. D. Ilieo had been appointed outside porter and it was recommended that Mr. Shepherd be appointed head porter. ARCHITECTS' REPORT. Messrs. Messenger and Griffiths (the Board's architects) reported In connection with the Nurses' Home that move men were required, especially for skilled labor. The following material had been delivered; —44 • cubic yards of gravel and 13V4 tons of cement, of which the contractor had removed 2 tons with promise of rapla cement. There is a prospect of sufllclent quantities of cement coming forward to (maintain work without further cessation. The workmen have completed the filling of the first lift of the second storey, and are now engaged lit preparation for the second lift of the top storey. RANGIATEA HOME. The matron of the Rangiatea Home reported for the month as follows:—Admissions, 1; death, 1; remaining in home, 43 (males 30, females 7). FARM REPORTS. Mr. J. Andrews (chairman of the Farm Com: mlttce) reported that he had visited the farm ■ on the 14th inst, and had inquired into several matters needing attention. The farm utanagK- had prepared for the imetalllng ecutract as far as possible and was how waiting for tlte County Engineer to visit the site be-; fore the metalling was commenced. Mr W. O. Noble (farm manager) reported that for the mouth of January 13,0831bs of iDilk wero produced. Tiie hospital had been supplied with 90 doz. eggs, 8 dor, cabbages, .'liMbs preen peas, llllbs broad beans and 2 <loz. lettuce; nnd the Ranglatea Home with 0 doz. cabbages, lOOlbs green peas, 2201hs broad leans and C43lbs potatoes. The milk supplywas now much more regular. CORRESPONDENCE.

Tho 'Defcnea Department replied to the Board's enquiry, stating that they had a supply of colored blankets ex various troopships tor dlspssal by sale—The matter was left in llio hands nf tile House Committee to confer with tlie matron with power to act. , Tho acting inspector-general of hospitals aotifled that, tho data of the Hosnital Boards' Cotvferer.ee had been postponed till May 11th, in view of the financial year ending on March: 31st A reply, protesting against this delay,, was sent by the EoarJ. To this Dr Makgill (acting Ins»;etor-General of Hospitals) replied that from the Department's point of view later date was preferable—Tho letter was re.celved nnd the Board deckled to take no fur*, ther action. • ■ , ■ '-, The clerk of the Taranakl County Council notified that tho Council would metal the road running through the Board's property at 15s par cubic yard, the Quantity being about 200 yards Tills did not Include formation work. —Mr. J. Andrews stated that he had examined the site and thought that the Board should also examine it before the metalling work was further proceeded with. This reeommendalion will he acted upon. Accounts were passed for payment and tho Board went Into committee.