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(5) Steam heating of both garages ;
(6) Larger colorifer fitted in D Ward and hot water supply to mess-room and stores ;
(7) Larger demand and supply to laundry and Disinfector, etc.
During the period October to April both boilers have to work at full load to keep going
and often calls for additional heat cannot be met. As each winter draws to its close it becomes
increasingly difficult to supply the demand due to the long run without a stop for flue cleaning,
and complaints are made each spring that steam is shut down too soon and wards are not
warm enough. It is desirable that the Committee should have a report from the Engineer on
this matter.
E Ward.—The fireplaces in this ward cause a great deal of trouble owing to faulty underdraught
and consequent escape of smoke into the ward. Structural alterations appear to be
necessary to remedy this defect.
Sluices.—The sluices in all the older pavilions are worn out and out of date. They
require to be replaced by new ones of a modern type.
Kitchen.—The steam hot plate is worn out and beyond further repair. It requires
replacement.
Dispensary Accommodation.—Increased accommodation is required to include storage
accommodation divided into a store for bottles and containers, a dressing store, drug store
and one for inflammable substances and gases, i.e., oxygen, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide,
etc. ; a room equipped for the preparation of heavy stock in large quantities such as
emulsions, ointments, dusting powders, etc. ; a dispensary proper, sterilising room and small
office. Two entrances should be provided, one into the dispensary for doctors and nurses
and business visitors, the other for goods. A small space should be allowed into which goods
can be delivered, unpacked and checked before passing on to the various places to which they
belong.
Staff Quarters.—These are no longer adequate and consideration is required in respect of
accommodation for Medical Superintendent and Medical Staff, Matron and Nursing Staff,
Domestic Staff, Steward's Office and Stores.
48 hours week.—The introduction of a 48 hours' week for the nursing staff also requires
consideration.
(18) Motor Ambulance Service.
The appointment of the necessary additional drivers is under consideration by the
Committee.
Improved accommodation is required for the men.
With the above extensions of the Health Services additional ambulances would also be
necessary.
(19) Extension of the Offices at 54, Winchester Avenue.
(20) Medical Officer for Special Purposes and Enquiries.
Extension of Health Centre (3)—Further Report.
The Committee will remember that I reported to the Health Committee on the need for the
extension of Health Centre (3) in accordance with the Minute of the Council dated 25th February, 1936.
In this report I stated that the need for this extension was because of the restrictions imposed on the
size of the original building by Government Departments as well as other reasons, including :—
1. The absence of nursery accommodation ;
2. The need for better facilities for dealing with minor skin conditions ;
3. Increased throat, nose and ear work ;
4. The need for corrective measures in respect of squints ;
5. The inadequacy of the ante-natal arrangements ;
6. Pharmacy ;
7. The need for the improvement of dental arrangements ;
8. The need for an isolation room ;
9. The provision of a test-feeding room ;
10. Clinic facilities for rheumatism.
11. The care and supervision of children between 1 and 5 years of age.
Since this report was written the pressure on the accommodation at this Centre has continued
to increase.
(1) The ante-natal arrangements are inadequate and expectant mothers now have a considerable
wait before they receive attention. In addition the operation of the Midwives Act, 1936,
will throw increased work on this department which is already too small to cope with
existing demands.
(2) The attendance of children for breathing exercises after operation has exceeded expectations
and the Committee will remember that there was only bare accommodation for this purpose.
The attendance of these children began on 10th September, 1936, and on the 26th October,
1936, 53 children were having breathing exercises twice a week at this clinic, making a
total attendance of 106 per week, and the number is increasing. These children have to
undress and dress in the orthopaedic dressing room. This dressing room is not only the
dressing room for orthopaedics but also the dressing room for light cases, the nursery for
children and the dressing room for children attending for breathing exercises. It is
impossible to avoid clashing in respect of its use from time to time and the room in itself
is too small for a nursery and small enough for any one of its other purposes. On three
afternoons a week the ante-natal preparation room has to be used as a nursery, thus
preventing the use of this room for an ante-natal or breast feeding or other case which may
require to attend.