HOSPITAL AFFAIRS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 December 1940, Page 7

HOSPITAL AFFAIRS

MEETING OF BOARD HELD AT MASTERTON TODAY. RECIPIENTS OF OUTDOOR RELIEF. The monthly meeting of the Wairarapa Hospital Board was held in Masterton today. The chairman, Mr H. H. Mawley. presided. There were also present Mesdames S. Fletcher. J. Robertson. Misses H. Card. C. McKcnny. Messrs W. I. Armstrong, Trevor Beetham. W. Britland. F. Court, J. F. Thompson. A. Clark. A. Forsberg. W. B. Martin. Duncan McGregor, C. T. Richardson. H. Thomas. P. R. Welch. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs J. A. McLeod and F. S. H. Bolton. “Where does the Social Security come in? I thought they would lookafter those in need,” asked Mr Forsberg when the matters relating to the recipients of out door relief were being discussed. Mr Mawley: “The Social Security Act provides for specific cases. No matter what Act was passed there would always be cases who came outside its provisions.” Mr Forsberg: "Surely provision could be made for these cases.” Mr Mawley: “That is the legislation as it stands.” The managing-secretary, Mr Norman Lee, submitted full details of the circumstances of the recipients. Mrs Robertson pointed out that provision was made for special cases.

The grants made were approved without furthr discussion.

REPORTS FOR PAST MONTH DECREASE IN MILITARY PATIENTS. T.B. ACCOMMODATION STRAINED. At the monthly meeting of the WaD rarapa Hospital Board held in Masterton today the managing-secretary, Mr Norman Lee, reported that for the period April 1 to November 30 maintenance expenditure was in excess of receipts by £1,775. Capital account showed a credit of £BOB. Local contributing authorities’ levies for maintenance and Government subsidy received to November 30 totalled £27,338. The aggregate patients’ fees collected were £3,961 greater than for the period under review last year. “The demand on beds has been lighter this month with the decrease in military in-patients,” stated Dr. T. L Parr, medical superintendent of Masterton hospital. A total of 112 patients remained in hospital at November 30. Forty-two operations were performed, 114 X-ray investigations made. 118 pathological examinations and 358 massage treatments given. In addition, 174 recruits chests were X-rayed for the military authorities and 37 vaccinations and innoculations made. Only two men were admitted from Tauherenikau camp. For the last few months accommodation for pulmonary tuberculosis had been strained by the increasing number of cases among the Maoris.

The matron of Masterton hospital, Miss M. F. Barnett reported that the ambulance answered 12 calls during the month, covering a distance of 224 miles. Six nurses sat for the Junior State examination in November 6 but results were not yet to hand. “I have been asked to express the appreciation of the nursing staff for the rise in salary granted to them by the board,” said Miss Barnett. Lectures were given during the month as follow: Dr. Parr, 6; Dr. O’Connor, 2; Dr. Feltham, 3; Dr. Prior, 3. “During the month there were 54 patients admitted to the Greytown Hospital. The hospital has been busy all the month and there is a waiting list,” reported Miss L. Higginson, matron of Greytown Hospital. Forty-five operations were performed. The ambulance answered 12 calls covering 425 miles. In the Buchanan wards 57 pati-’ ents remained at November 30. Miss N. Ockenden, matron of Pahiatua Hospital, reported that a total of 60 patients had been treated. The ambulance answered four calls covering 180 miles. Miss Ockenden extended seasonal greetings to the chairman and members of the board and expressed, appreciation of all they had done on behalf of the medical, nursing and domestic staffs.