DISTRICT NURSES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 April 1939, Page 9

DISTRICT NURSES

EXTENSION OF THE SERVICE DISCUSSED NO MORE APPOINTMENTS THIS YEAR. EFFECT OF SOCIAL SECURITY. A proposal to extend the district nursing service in the Wairarapa and tc establish nurses in the Lower Valley, and at Pahiatua came under discussion at yesterday’s meeting of the Wairarapa Hospital Board. While the good work done by the nurses was recognised the weight of opinion was that no definite move should be made until the full effect of the Social Security Act was Known and the matter was held over for another twelve months. The chairman, Mr H. H. Mawley, said it was difficult to gauge, accurately, the saving effected by the District Nurse, but in Masterton it must run to saveral hundreds of pounds a year. A general improvement in the health of the people should reduce the num*ber of hospital patients. They did not want, however, to launch out too strongly at the present time. The weak spot in the position at the moment was that the matter should have been considered at the January meeting instead df having been left so late in the year. Mr W. I. Armstrong: “In view of the state of the finances of the country it would be a pity to put money on the estimates when you are not sure that it will be required.” Mr J. F. Thompson moved that provision be made on the estimates for the establishment of a district nursing service in the Lower Valley and at Pahiatua. Mrs J. Robertson said that while the levies would be increased, if provision for district nurses was made on the estimates the board would at least be able to do something later on should it so desire. If they did not include a sum on the estimates the matter would be closed for another year. There had .been a certain amount of hedging over the matter and unless something was done they would be in the same box later on in the year. Mr Thompson “We have been dodging this thing for two or three years.” Mr W. B. Martin considered that the proposal be held over until they found out what effect the Social Security Act would have on the operations of the board. Mr Armstrong: “The ratepayers need all the relief they can get.this year.” Mr Arch Clark: “And more.” Mr H. Thomas said that in the opinion of members of local bodies 70 per cent of the farmers would be able to pay their rates next year only if the nanks said they could, and were prepared to advance them the money. There was no hedging about the matter, and there was no doubt that the farmers could not find the money. After some further discussion an amendment moved by. Mr Clark, that the matter be deferred for another 12 months was carried by 11 votes to 7. It was also decided that, after having conferred with the Health Department, the Managing-Secretary bring down a report on a proposed extension of the district nursing service at the September meeting.