HOSPITAL AFFAIRS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 March 1922, Page 3

HOSPITAL AFFAIRS.

THE TARANAKI BOARD. THE MONTHLY MEETING. Tl-e monthly meeting of the Taranaki Hospital Board was held at New Plymouth yesterday afternoon, a day earlier in order to suit the convenience of members, who were in town for the official opening of the new nurses' home. Present: Messrs. M. Fraser (chainman), J. Andrews, H. R. Cattley, S. Vickers, A. H. Halcombe, J. Young, S. Capper and E. Gilmour. Apologies for were received from Mr. J. Sutherland and Mr. O’Brien. MEDICAL REPORT. The acting medical superintendent (Dr. G. Home) reported that during the month of February 86 patients were admitted and 85 were discharged, whilst 10 died, leaving in hospital 80. The highest number for one day was 91, with a daily average of 83.8. The number of operations performed was 34. February, continued the report, has been a quiet month in all departments, including the isolation block. There are at present three cases of diphtheria and four cases of scarlatina under treatment. Dr. Walker has been away on annual holiday since February 26. MATRON'S REPORT. The matron (Miss B. A. Campbell) reported that Nurse Condon had gone on holiday leave, whilst Nurses Smart, Street and Stephensen had been on sick leave. Nurses Leighton and Warnock had returned after holiday leave, and Nurse Stephensen had returned from sick leave. Sister Dew had severed her connection with the hospital. Misses Cresswell and Orsman had commenced duties as probationers. GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT. TTe general manager (Mi. E. Holden) reported that the engineer appointed to take charge of the steaan Installation commenced duties on February 10. Inspection of the whole installation was made by Mr. J. H. Anderson, the department's consulting engineer, and Mr. E. Brooking, Messrs. Anderson’s engineer, and various small items were pointed out as needing slight alterations or finishing ; these had now been attended to. The i board's engineer was busy connecting the isolation block with the steam and tot water system, with a view to economy in fuel. It was suggested that all discarded plant should be sold, with the exception of the electric motor, which, after being overhauled, could probably be installed at the farm for chaffcutting, root-pulping, etc. The medical superintendent (Dr. E. A. Walker) had gone on holiday and Dr. Home was now in charge. The house committee had met the contractors and the architect on Februarj' 27 and had decided to take the building over after some minor matters have been attended to. The work at the home had gone on smoothly during the past month. Various improvements at the home were suggested. The farm manager had not sufficiently’ recovered from his accident to resume his duties, although he Is frequently up at the farm supervising operations. The second farm assistant is still a patient in hospital. The work at the farm is. however, going on satisfactorily under the management of the first assistant. OTHER REPORTS. The dispenser and house steward (Mr. C. F. B. Perrin) reported that Mr. W. Scott, gardener, and Mr. P. H. Bower, ambulance driver, had returned to duty. Thanks were expressed to Messrs. Swindells and Ridd for gifts of vegetables. A number of fowls hod been received from the farm. The matron of the Rangiatea Home (Mrs. Bayly) reported that everything had been progressing favorably, supplies being good and discipline excellent. There had been two admissions, making the number at the home 41 (males 33, females 8). The farm manager (Mr. W. C. Noble) reported that for the month of January 17 cows returned 14,2281b5. of milk, and for February 16 cows produced 12,6991b5. of inilk. Everything had the best of care and attention during the period he was absent on account of an accident. Nurse Leed, district nurse at tlruti, reported that during the month she had paid two visits, given advice to two patients, and attended to seven dressings. Nurse McFadgen, district nurse at Opunake. reported that there was very little sickness in her district at present. THE OPUNAKE BEQUEST. Messrs. M. O’Brien and J. Young reported that as instructed they had inspected the property willed to the board by the late Mrs. Taylor. On -section 21, fronting Allisen Street, they had found a flve-roc.med cottage, which appeared to be well preserved, and one acre of land, worth at least £558. The balance of the section is well worth £lOO per acre. About three acres of the land in front of the cottage is stubble, and the whole needs ploughing up and laying down in good grass. The adjoining section of one acre was valued at £ 100. Taken together the sections made a very fine property, the ground being dry and good and well sheltered. GENERAL. Tlie secretary of the North Island Conference of the Seventh Day Adventists (Mr. P. : G. Foster) wrote stating that in view of the kindness and consideration shown by the ; municipal authorities, the Taranaki Jockey Ciub, and the residents of New Plymouth during their recent camp at the racecourse, the executive committee had decided, as a small token of their appreciation, to donate a cheque for twenty guineas.—A vote of thanks was passed for this handsome donation. The New Plymouth Club wrote offering a donation to the hospital of illustrated papers, etc., and were thanked for their offer. The Otago Hospital Board asked the board’s assistance in protesting against the increased fees charged for audit.—lt was decided to endorse the suggestion. The question of accepting tenders for supplies was before the board, and was referred to the house committee. A vote of thanks was accorded the medical staff and nurses for providing morning tea for the visitors at yesterday’s function in connection with the opening of the new nurses’ home.