HOSPITAL BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 April 1920, Page 2

HOSPITAL BOARD.

monthly meeting. The monthly meeting of the Taranakl Hospital Board was hold .yesterday, there being present Messrs. 51. Fraser (chairman), P. .T. Hill, 33. Gllmour, C. Andrews, J. Young, G. Capper, A. H. Halcombe, J. Andrews, S. Campbell and G. l'oiuig. MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT'S BEPORT. The medioal superintendent (Dr. E. A. Walker), reportod 93 admissions and eight discharges for the month, and three deaths, and that there remained In the hospital 93 patients. The highest number for any day was 103, and the dally average 93. There were 58 operations. March was said to have bean a busy month. The superintendent reported a decrease in the number of Infectious cases, and that only two remained in the isolation ward. Dr. Walker again drew attention, to the general noisiness of the buildings and wards, due to the creaking of swing doors, and rattling of windows. Patients are unable to obtain the necessary quiet, and not Infrequently complaints are made on this account. MATRON'S REPORT. The matron (Miss B. A. Campbell) reported that Nurses Parley and Berry had gone on holiday leave, and Slsttes Stanton and Hirst, and Nurse Mac Donald were on sick leave. Sisters Mulr, Bovvden, and Hlldretli had returned from holiday leave and Nurse MacDonald from sick leave. The medical superintendent recommended that on account of Illness Nurse Evans be granted three months' leave of absence. Nurse O'Connor, having completed her probation, had been placed on the permanent staff. The domestlo question was still very acute. Leave of absence was granted to Nurse Evans according to the superintendent's recommendation. ■ RANGIATEA HOME. The matron (Mrs. A. Bayly) repOTlcd a satisfactory month. Two deaths had occurred, and there remained in the Home 42 inmates (34 males and eight females). HEALTH INSPECTOR'S REPORT. The district Health Inspector (Mr. A. H. Kendall) reported 105 cases of Infectious diseases as follows: Nine cases of influenza in the Taranakl County, 36 in New Plymoutn, 38 In Waitara, 13 In Ingiewood, and threo in Egmont County; two cases of pneumonia, one | of diphtheria, and one of phthisis in New Plyi mouth, one case of diphtheria at Opunake, and | one case of scarlet fever at 'Waitara. II Though still very prevalent, the Inspector aald the number of cases of influenza notified showed a considerable decrease on the number for the previous month, and In spite of the I bad neathoT conditions it is to be hoped the decrease will be continued. DISTRICT NURSING MATTERS. The District Nurse at Opunake (Miss E. McFadgen) reported attending 14 European I cases and four Natives. There had been I eleven influenza cases, ono of mumps, one chronic heart case and one of bronchitis. Fee:; •received amounted to £4 19s. The Urutl District Nursing Association wrote requesting the Board to consider the question of installing a hot water service In the cottage at Urutl, and asking how much assistance would be received from tho Board for such an undertaking. The Association Is at present making improvements to the cottago which will deplete the funds. The matter was left In tho hands of the House Committee, with power to act.

NEW NURSES' HOME. The Board's architects (Messrs. Messenger and Griffiths) reported on the progress of the work at the new nurses' home, which had been very satisfactory throughout tho month. The work has now reached a stago when more carpenters can be employed and next month the progress should be more marked than at any time since the commencement of the work. HOUSE STEWARD'S REPORT. The House Steward and Dispenser reported on the various matters engaging his attention about the Institution during (he month. Good progress has been made with the work In the grounds. The matter of furnishing the sitting room in tho unen's quarters and an electric heating system for the* linspltai, were referred to the house committee. GENERAL. A letter was received from Anderson's ltd, Clirlstchureh, saying that owing to tho heavy Increases in the manufacturing costs they were obliged to withdraw their quotation for the Mipply of boilers, and steam heating and cooking apparatus for the hospital. The question of whether a larger boiler than that specified should be Installed was discussed, as the Department's engineer had recommended that a larger one would be necessary If provision was to be made for future reauirements, and the matter was referred to tho House Committee with power to act. A letter was received from Dr. T. H. A. Valintlne, chief health officer, stating that in the event of a recurrence of the Influenza epidemic tho Board should bear In mind that the Defence Department had a large number of tents available, which might be made use of before making other temporary accommodation. The appHo&tlon of Misses A. C. Bullard,

New Plymouth, and Doris A. Harrison, Waltaira, for ' positions of probationer nurses, were approved. Draft ostlmates for the current year were submitted to the Board, and after some explanations by the chairman and general discussion they were referred back to the Finance Committee.