TARANAKI HOSPITAL BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 April 1921, Page 6

TARANAKI HOSPITAL BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING The Taranaki Hospital Board met yesterday. Present: Messrs. M. Fraser (chairman), J. Andrews, G. Young, J. S. 8. Medley, E. R. udm our, G. Capper, S. Vickers, J. Young, A. H. Halcombe, and : M. O’Brien. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. The report of the medical superintendent (Dr. A. lE. Walker) for the month of March stated that 82 patients- had been admitted, 78 discharged, and 5 died, 81 remaining in hospital at the ond of the month. The highest number of inmates for one day was 89, and the daily average was 81.8. Operations performed totalled 54. In remarks on the month, the superintendent said the daily average rose to 81.8, and March had been comparatively busier than the two months preceding, especially on the surgical side. There were three cases of scarlet fever and one of diphtheria under treatment in the isolation block. Two further cases of infantile paralysis had been admitted, one from Omata and the other from Uruti. Five cases of this disease were under treatment. Dr. Wylie, Inspector of Hospitals, paid hin official visit to the institution on March 20. DISTRICT NURSING. Nurse McFadzen (Opunake) reported that five cases had been attended to during the month, of which two were Maori. In regard to epidemics and measles, there were not so many cases of measles, but there were still a few in the district. Nurse C. E. Fenn (Uruti) reported that there aad x been a number of minor accidents in the district during the month. Four children with fractures were brought in for temporary splints, and five adults came for surgical dressing. FARM REPORT.

The farm manager (Mr. W. C. Noble) reported that for the month ending March 31 the dairy herd of 16 cows had produced 13,8071bs of milk, also 158 fat fowls and 16 dozen eggs had been sent to the hospital. There was a good prospect of the milk supply being kept up now with fresh cows. All w'ork in connection with the farm was progressing satisfactorily. NURSES’ HOME. The architects for the nurses’ home (Messenger, Griffiths and Taylor) reported on the progress of the work for the period March 16 to April 19. The average number of workmen employed for the period was 13, being an increase of two on the past month’s figures, and at date of report 17 were employed. The interior woodwork finishings had been progressing very satisfactorily. The memorial hall ceiling had been finished, the sashes hung, and the floor was now being laid. A report was made to the board by the clerk of works at the home (Mr. E. Lush). He stated that much of the delay was due to the time lost in securing materials and the shortage of labor. He mentioned that tiles ordered at Christmas had only just come to hand. He estimated tjhat the carpenters would be out of the building in about six weeks’ time, and the painters at about the same period. In reply to a member, Mr. Lush said it would probably be about the end of June, when the home was ready for occupation. ADMISSION OF NAVAL PATIENTS. A circular letter was received from the Director-General of Hospitals (Dr. Valintine) regarding treatment of officers and men of the New Zealand Division of the British Navy. He suggested that those officers and men who were suffering from ailments of too serious a nature to be dealt with on board their ships be admitted to the wards of the hospitals of the Dominion, and be treated at a uniform maintenance fee of 30s per week; the same to apply to officers except that they be treated in small side wards, this being the expressed desire of the commodore commanding the division. *

The board decided to inform the Department that it would be quite willing to admit men from the Navy if required, but would expect the Government to pay the full fee.

The opinion was expressed that the board could not be expected to treat patients from the Navy at a scale than from ordinary fees. The chairman said the New Plymouth Hospital would probably be affected only slightly, but the principle was one which concerned all hospitals in the Dominion. GENERAL. The matron of the Rangiatea Home (Mrs. A. Bayly) reported that the number of inmates was 39, and the institution was progressing favorably. It was decided te write to the Minister for Railways, asking that the board be given the same concession as that granted to farmers for the carriage of lime on the railways for agricultural purposes. It was decided that the Native Department be requested to contribute half of the salary for the Opunake district nurse. The chairman reported on his visit to Wellington to give evidence before the Royal Commission. Mr. O’Brien said they were indebted to Mr. Fraser for the clear statement he had put forward on behalf of the board, and the able manner in which he hgd put the case of hospital boards generally, | On the motion of Messrs. O’Brien and Andrews, the board recoded their p,ppredation of the chairman’s work as delegate.