TARANAKI HOSPITAL BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 May 1921, Page 2

TARANAKI HOSPITAL BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING

The monthly meeting of the Taranaki Hospital Board was held at New Plymouth yesterday. Present: Messrs. M. Fraser (chairman), J. Sutherland, S. Capper, M. O'Brien, A. H. Halcombe, E. Gilmour, H. R. J. Andrews. An apology for absence was received from Mr. Jas. Young.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.

The medical superintendent (Dr. E. A. Walker) reported that the number of patients admitted during April was 82, discharged 79, whilst 8 bad died, the number remaining in 'hospital being 7(5. The highest number for one day was 85, and the dally average 78.4. The number of operations was 35. April was a lighter month than March. All the women have been accommodated in Ward 2, whilst the children—at present twenty-five in number—fully occupy Ward 1. At present there are 7 cases of scarlet fever and two of diphtheria under treatment in isolation. One case of infantile paralysis was admitted during the month and, being of the acute ascending type, ended fatally.

MATRON’S REPORT.

The matron (Miss B. A. Campbell) reported that the following nurses went off duty during the month; —Nurse Evans (on holiday leave), Sister Peers, Nurses Adkins, O’Connor and Paynter (on sick leave). The following had returned to duty:—Sister Stanton (after holiday leave), Sister Peers (from sick leave). Sister Paget had severed her connection with the hospital on April 30 owing to ill-health. Nurse Mitchell had also terminated her connection with the hospital as from the same date. Nurses Merriman and Blennerhassett commenced duties on probation on the Ist and 4th inst. respectively.

HOUSE STEWARD’S REPORT.

Mr. C. F. B. Perrin (dispenser and house steward) reported that Warder Rice returned to duty on April 25 after holiday leave. W. G. Taylor, the ambulance driver, who had been off duty owing to an injury, had again returned to duty. The ambulance is in a very dilapidated condition, and requires overhauling. The question of overhauling the ambulance was left in the hands of the house committee.

OTHER REPORTS.

The matron of the Old People’s Home reported that during the past month everything had been progressing very favorably, the supplies had been good, and the discipline excellent. One admission had been made, and one death had occurred, the number remaining in the institution being 39 (males 31, females 8.) The district nurse at Opunake (Nurse McFadgen) reported that there were a number of cases of influenza in the district. She had visited Maori homes at Okato, but there was no serious sickness apparent. The district nurse at Uruti (Nurse Fenn) reported on various cases in her district.

FARM REPORTS.

Mr. T. Andrews (chairman of the farm committee) reported that the men were all busily employed. As three fresh cows were coming in, this would enable the farm manager to keep up the hospital milk supply. The haystack is opening up well, so that they would be able to tide over the winter fairly well. The farm manager (Mr. W. C. Noble) reported that the dairy herd of 15 cows have returned 12,1351 b of milk. One hundred and twelve fat poultry and 10% dozen eggs had been sent out. Work was progressing satisfactorily.

NURSES' HOME.

Messrs. Messenger, Griffiths and Taylor (architects for the new nurses’ houne) reported that at present there were 20 workmen engaged on the works, irrespective of the joiners in the workshop. The plumbers have concentrated on the sanitary finishings, and have made satisfactory progress. The plasterers are still short-handed. The main staircase is now finished, and the interior wood finishings are nearing completion.

CHARGE FOR CARRYING MANURE.

The General Manager of Railways (Mr. R. W. McVUly) wrote acknowledging receipt of the board's letter in reference to the charge for payment of lime for use on the hospital farm, and stated that the matter would be looked into.

In view of the fact that iftr. McVilly. is to ; be in town during the week-end, it was decided that a deputation consisting of the chairihan of the farm committee (Mr. T. Andrews) and other meunbers able to attM’d, wait upon Mr.’ McVilly in reference to the matter.

MEDICAL INSPECTION OF CHILDREN.

The Director-General of Health (Dr. T. 11. A. Vallntine) wrote asking the board's cooperation in connection with the scheme for the medical inspection of school children. This, the letter continued, could best be brought about by (a) setting aside a certain day or days each week for medical treatment, and (b) allowing children needing operations for the removal of adenoids, tonsils, etc., to remain not less than two days in hospital.

The chairman moved that the letter be submitted to the medical superintendent (Dr. Walker) with a recommendation that he entertain it favorably and report thereon to the board. The chairman said that some of the schools in the district were far from hygienic, and the board should encourage in every possible way tte treatment of children suffering from complaints such as those mentioned in the Director-General's letter. He hoped that the sentiment of the board was such that these children would be attended to. Mr. Gilmour seconded the motion, which was carried.

HOSPITAL AT OPUNAKE.

Dr. Vallntine also Wrote stating that the building of the cottage hospital at Opunake would have to be held up until the position is regularised. It wjll be necessary for special legislation to vest the hospital site in the Taranaki Hospital Board. Mr. O’Brien said that for all practical purposes the property at Opunake was vested in the board, but, owing to some technicality, the transfer would not be brought about in the ordinary course of events until Parliament rose late in the year. On the motion of Mr. Haicombe,* It was resolved to write to the Minister explaining the position, and asking for protection for the board so that building operations could be started before the legal formality had been brought about. The chairman was also asked to wait upon the Minister in reference to the matter during his visit to Wellington.

GENERAL.

Messrs. Sutherland and Cattley were added to the house and finance committee. It was decided to strike the hospital rate this year on the same scale as last year, viz., 2s 9d in £lOO.