MORE BEDS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 February 1941, Page 6

MORE BEDS

• HOSPITAL ACCOMMODATION AT MASTERTON RECENT RECONSTRUCTION WORK. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT. Mr H. H. Mawley presided over the ordinary meeting of the Wairarapa Hospital Board in Masterton today. There were also present Messrs J. F. Thompson, Trevor Beetham. W. B. Martin, P. R. Welch, C. T. Richardson. A. Forsberg. J. A. McLeod, W. I. Armstrong. A. Clark, H. Thomas. F. Court. F. S. H. Bolton, W. Britland, Duncan McGregor, Mrs S. Fletcher, Mrs J. Robertson, and Miss H. Card. The report of the Medical Superintendent, Dr. T. P. Parr, stated, inter alia: “With the reconstruction of Ward 7 and the renovation of Ward 4 completed, we should have ample beds available for the reasonable requirements of the district unless very abnormal circumstances arise. Many factors are making for heavier demands on the public hospitals both for beds and for various forms of services. With more beds available than in 1940, I anticipate that the average occupied in 1941 will) be higher—say 120. I do not see much I prospect of further reducing the ave-l rage days stay. The chief strain on beds is likely to be for tuberculosis cases and for aged people and chronic invalids whose care seems to be falling more and more on the hospitals. Equipment is now adequate in most respects. The nursing staff will need to be kept at full strength. There may be some difficulty in regard to trained staff because of war demands. As regards medical staff I would like authority to employ a second house surgeon if we find it necessary, and if one can be obtained, and I suggest that renewal of visiting staff appointments should be on the understanding that the agreement to make full ward rounds during the regular agreed hours on definite days twice a week be faithfully carried out by each member of the staff.”

The report was adopted. It was left to the executive committee to arrange with the superintendent and the doctors concerned for any changes in medical staff which might be necessary owing to pressure of military work and private practice.