TARANAKI HOSPITAL BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 December 1922, Page 2

TARANAKI HOSPITAL BOARD.

~ THE MONTHLY MEETING. The Taranaki Hospital Board held its monthly meeting at New Plymouth yesterday. Owing to the absence of the chairman (Mr. M. Fraser) in Wellington, Mr. A. H. Halcombe was voted to the chair. Others present were: Messrs. J. Andrews, E. Gilmour, S. Vickers, J. Young, J. Sutherland and H. R. Cattley. MEDICAL REPORT. The medical superintendent (Dr. E. A. Walker) reported that during November 75 patients had been admitted, 84 had been discharged, 3 had died, remaining in hospital 72, highest number for one day 89, daily average 80.2, number of operations 34. November was a lighter month in all departments. Six cases of diphtheria, two of scarlet fever, and one each of measles and chicken-pox were admitted to the isolation block. Nurses Taylor, McManus, Moore, Leighton and Winfield passed the examinations for the hospital certificate. A high average of knowledge was shown. The names are stated in order of merit.—The board extended its congratulations to the successful candidates. MATRON’S REPORT. The matron (Miss B. A. Campbell) reported that Sister Fairbrother had gone on holiday leave and Nurse Burwell on sick leave, while Nurse Robinson had returned to duty after holiday leave. Miss Grace Lash had commenced her training on three months' probation. GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT.

The general manager (Mr. E. Holden) reported that during the past month the business of the board had been carried on without anything of an untoward nature. Applications, to close on January 5, 1923, for the position of house surgeon, had been advertised, but up to the present no enquiries had been received. Tenders were being called for the painting, etc., of tho old hospital buildings. The position of medical officer at the Opunake cottage hospital had been offered to Dr. T. N. Watt, of Opunake, and, although lie had not written accepting the position, yet, he had accepted verbally and had asked for an agreement and copies of duties to be sent to him., A letter had been received from the Commissioner of Crown Lands containing the written consent of the Land Board to the closing of West a\d portion of Downe Streets. OTHER REPORTS. The matron of Rangiatea Home (Mrs. A. Bagly) reported that during the past month everything had been progressing very favorably, supplies had been good and discipline excellent. There had been one admission, the number remaining in the home being 37 (males 31, females 7).

The dispenser (Mr. C. F. B. Perrin) reported that Head-warder Shepherd had returned from annual leave. Warder Cameron had left for Trentham Military Hospital to undergo an operation. Thanks were expressed to Mr. Bendall for the loan of horse and dray. The farm manager (Mr. W. C. Noble) stated that for November the dairy herd of 20 cows had produced 19,534 lb of milk. Five acres of green feed had just been sown and there was a very heavy crop ready now for ensilage. OPUNAKE MEDICAL OFFICER. Dr. Watt wrote agreeing to accept the position of medical officer at the Opunake 'hospital at a salary of £l5O per annum with liberty to do outside practice. The appointment Is'subject to reconsideration by the hoard at the end of twelve months. The salary is to cover all attendances for all patients. Mr. Gilmour moved that the action of the sub-committee in approving the appointment of Dr. Watt be confirmed. Mr. O’Brien moved that the matter be discussed in committee. Mr. Gilmour said if the board went into committtee on the matter he would not be present. The least the board could do was to first approve of the sub-committee’s action. The chairman thought this was the correct view.

Mr. Sutherland seconded Mr. Gilmour’s motion. which was carried. Mr. O’Brien intimated that he did not approve nf the appointment. Later the subject was taken in committee. GENERAL. Mr. Gilmour moved that the window sills, sashes and doors at the hospital be painted. This was agreed to, the matter being left in Mr. Vickers’ hands. Answering Mr. Gilmour, the general manager stated that the office staff had three days off at Christmas and two at New Year. Mr. Gilmour thought the board should fall into line with business firms and give another day during the holiday period if possible. The matter was referred to the general manager. Dr. G. Home applied for annual holiday leave from December 21.—This was granted subject to the medical superintendent’s consent. Accounts amounting to £909 13s Id were passed fnr payment.