TARANAKI HOSPITAL BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 June 1921, Page 2

TARANAKI HOSPITAL BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING. The Taranaki Hospital Board met yesterday. Present: Messrs. M. Fraser (chairman), J. Sutherland, J. Andrews, H. R. Cattley, M. Capper, E.’ R. Gilmour, J. Young, and S. Vickers, ' SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. ’Pile report of the medical superintendent for the month of May, stated the number of patients admitted was 113, 84 were discharged and 6 died, the total remaining in hospital at the end of the month being 99. The highest number for one day was 104, and the daily average 91.06. Seventy three operations were performed. The month was a busy one in all departments, there being a marked increase In the daily average. The surgical side was especially occupied, and .the number of operations (73) was a record in the history of the institution. TREATING SCHOOL CHILDREN. The Director General of Health (Dr. T. H. Valintine), wrote seeking the co-operation of the scheme for the medical Inspection of school children, notably in respect to the arrangements necessary for the treatment at the hospital of those children recommended for such by the school medical officer. It was suggested that the assistance could be best brought about by, (1) settling aside a certain day or days In each week so that the ’ children need not be kept waiting longer than was absolutely necessary. (2) allowing children weeding operations for adenoids, tonsils, etc., to remain not less than 2 days in hospital, so that they might have a chance of recovering. The board had referred the matter to the medical superintendent who reported as follows:—I shall be g(ad to co-operate with the board in its desire to meet, the department in the medical treatment of school children. I should point out, however, that many parents of school children are members of friendly socletl.es, and as such, may desire to have their' Children treated by their usual medical adviser and that others cnay desire their usual private medical advisers. Having due regard to this position, I will be glaa undertake the treatment of these cases and would be prepared to set aside an hour on Saturday mornings for this purpose. As regards the second suggestion from the Department, Dr. Walker stated it had always been the practice at New Plymouth to keep children in hospital after such operations as mentioned, even if it was for more than two days. The chairman said the thanks of the board were due to the medical superintendent for the way in which he had received this extra duty. - THE FARM. The chairman of the farm committee repoted that the work was well in hand for the coming season. He had inspected the cows and found them in first class condition. The supply of milk had been well kept up and would probably continue to do so, but it required an immense amount of feeding with such a limited number of cows. The farm manager’s report stated everything was going satisfactorily, a mild winter being experienced so far. Fifteen cows had produced 12,9721bs of milk. THE NURSES’ HOME. The architects (Messrs. Messenger, Griffiths, and Taylor) presented a progress report on the Nurses’ Home for the period, May 17, to June 14. The average number of men employed was sixteen, a decrease of three compared with tlie previous figures. This 1 was accounted for by the withdrawal of the asphalters, who had returned to Wellington. The plasterers had completed the external work under the verandah along the northern frontage, leaving only minor details and touching up to complete the outside work. All mantelpieces had been delivered and fixed. The cupboards, bins, and shelving, etc., in the pantry had been installed, and the finishing woodwork inside was almost completed. The plumbing t-ork had not advanced as much as had been expected. GENERAL. Y Nurse MeFadgen (Opunake) reported that ten cases had been attended to during the month of May, including three Maoris. Fees received and paid to the hospital board amounted to 14s 6d. The Matron of the Old Peoples’ Home (Mrs. A. Bayly), reported that the number of inmates was 39, and that everything was progressing favoruWj’ in the institution. The report of the house steward (Mr. C. F. B. Perrin) stated that the kitchen, sterilising room, and corridor in ward 3 were being repainted, this being necessary after the damage done by the recent fire. The ambulance was undergoing repairs ,and alterations and would not be ready for use until about three weeks from date.