HOSPITAL BOARD

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 August 1939, Page 7

HOSPITAL BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING HELD TODAY SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME IN OPERATION. REPORTS FOR PAST MONTH. At the monthly meeting of the Wairarapa Hospital Board at Masterton today, the Medical Superintendent, Dr T. L. Parr, reported that the number of patients remaining in Masterton Hospital on July 31 was 112. During July 119 were admitted, while 125 were discharged. The daily average of beds occupied was 109.87. Filly operations were performed, and 77 X-ray investigations made. A total of 499 massage treatments were given. For the period maintenance expenditure was in excess of receipts by the sum of £7,268. -In the capital account there was a credit balance of £1.086, stated the managing-secretary, Mr N. Lee. There was an overdraft of £6,080. The proportional amount of local body levy, and subsidy thereon for maintenance, for the period under review, was £ 16.1)62, and ol: this amount £14,482 had been received, leaving a balance of £1,580 due at July 31. The aggregate collection of fees from patients was greater by £7lO than for the same period last year. Hospital benefits under the Social Security Act came into operation from July 1, 1939, and claim for payment on account of patients treated at the rate of 6s per day has been rendered to the Department. The claim totals £1,601 Bs. The amount for credit to each hospital is as follows: —Masterton, £984; Pahiatua, £144; Greytown, £235 10s; Buchanan Wards, £237 12s; total, £1,601 Bs. These claims are to be paid monthly: therefore the amount should be credited to the Board’s account during the present month.

One sister and seven nurses were absent during the month through sickness, reported the Matron of the Masterton Hospital. Sister McGibbon and Nurses Pepper. Browne, Franks and Berry had resigned. Nurse Frickcr and Nurse Thom had passed the State final examination. Nurses Gawn. Kerr. Wood and Roys had passed the Maternity examination and Nurses Wilcock. Smyth and Marvcn the cooking examination. During the month Dr Parr gave eight lectures. Dr O'Connor three. Dr Hosking three and Dr Prior six. The ambulance answered 24 calls, covering a distance of 170 miles.

During the month there were 28 patients admitted to hospital, 29 discharged and one death, leaving a total of 23 patients remaining in hospital on July 31, the daily average being 25.16. reported the Matron of the Greytown Hospital. Fourteen major operations and nine minor operations wore performed by the superintendent during July. Dr Sharp visited the hospital seven times and' X-rayed 14 patients. In the Buchanan Ward there were six admissions, one discharge and two deaths, leaving a total of 62 patients remaining on July 31. The ciaily average was 60.48. At present Buchanan Ward has a large number of chronic hospital cases and of these at least halt arc bed cases who even have to be fed. The ambulance answered twelve calls covering a distance of 4221 miles. Although the average occupied bed state was not high, the hospital was very busy with heavy and extremely ill cases, reported the Matron of the Pahiatua Hospital. Ten major and four minor operations were performed. The ambulance answered 6 calls covering a distance of 1451 miles. Dr home Paterson commenced duty as lion medical officer on July 1.