23

H.—22

There are too many chronic cases in this Hospital, and it is high time that an Old People's Home should be erected in the district, which would not only relieve this institution to some extent, but would provide more suitable accommodation for the aged, who are sometimes boarded out under very unsatisfactory conditions. It is proposed to increase the accommodation for female consumptives, a sum having been collected for this purpose; but the site of the new building has not been definitely decided on. It will soon be necessary to open the unfinished ward in the new block.

THAMES HOSPITAL. Governing body : Thames Hospital Trustees. Usual date of meeting: First Monday in each month. Secretary: John Ed. Banks. Stipendiary medical staff: D. B. Walshe, M.8., B.Ch. Matron: M. Stewart. Localities, broadly, from which patients came : Thames Hospital District, 506- Auckland 3Bay of Islands, 3'; Waikato, 16; Waihi, 4; Coromandel, 1: Westland, 1. Visited on the 25th October, 1909. The Hospital was, as usual, in excellent order. The wards were full; but several of the cases were minor, and, but for the fact of being- far from their homes, did not need to be kept in the Hospital. The isolation ward was occupied by a case of scarlet fever. The consumptive shelters were finished, but had not yet been occupied. They are very simply and well designed, and can easily be.managed from the wards. This is one of the most efficiently and economically managed hospitals in the Dominion. I'he attention of persons interested in hospital economics may be well directed to the various items of expenditure at this institution.

NEW PLYMOUTH HOSPITAL. Governing body: Taranaki Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. Usual date of meeting: Third Monday in month. Secretary: C. M. Lepper. Stipendiary medical staff: T. S. Wylie, F.R.C.S.; E. A. Walker, M.A., M.D., CM. Matron : Elizabeth Browne. Localities, broadly, from which patients came : Taranaki County, 99; Egmont County 56 • Clifton County, 47; Fitzroy Town Board, 9; Auckland, 2; New Plymouth Borough, Waitar a Borough, 38; Inglewood Borough, 34; Hawera, 5; Stratford, 11; Napier 1- Sydney 1Hokitika, 1; Hamilton, 1; Wellington, 1. ' ' J ' ' Visited several times. The institution was always in excellent order, everything working harmoniously and well The Board has recognized that the district is deserving of a more modern institution—in tact, it has been much crowded during the past year, particularly on the female side. Plans for a new building have been prepared, and new wards will be erected as opportunity During the year the Board has lost the services of Dr. Leatham, who has done such good work at the Hospital during the ten years he has been Medical Superintendent His retirement is a loss to the district. Dr. Walker has succeeded Dr. Leatham, and Dr. Wylie has taken over Dr Walker s duties. _ I have pointed out to the Board on more than one occasion that the cost per bed in drugs and dressings is far too high, and economy in this item is distinctly indicated, i v- • 2,047 collect ed from patients for hospital and maintenance fees may very well be noted by hospital secretaries, and speaks volumes for the energy of the Secretary, Mr Lepper

GISBORNE HOSPITAL. Governing body : Cook Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. Usual date of meeting : Third Friday of each month. Secretary : H. M. Porter. PR Stipendiary medical staff: Medical Superintendent, W. Carlyle Wilson, MA MB F.R.C.S. Eng.; house surgeon, W. H. McKee, M.8., Ch.B " Matron : Eva Godfray. Visitedin Ap°r a i? ly i9l0 Om C °° k C ° Unty ' 151 ' B ° r ° Ugh ° f ffisbo ™ e - ™- There were thirty-seven patients in Hospital, all but two being proper hospital cases _ Considering the age and scattered nature of the buildings, the institution was in good order fo~ur year's a e o nla ™" eme,lt instituti ™ has much improved since my first inspection nearly I" had an opportunity of meeting the Board and explaining that a district such as Gisborne should be provided with better hospital accommodation. In this the Board thorough y concurred a rLw n bZr ° n V ateaU "T *T mileS fr ° m the tOW " has been and pkns for Peop c' Home" S C ° nSldered ' The ° ld hos wiU probably be used af an Old