HOSPITAL RENOVATIONS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 17, 17 December 1932, Page 8

HOSPITAL RENOVATIONS.

PRINCESS MARY WARD. IMPROVEMENT IN FACILITIES. Following out the policy of steady improvement of facilities and the modernisation of the older wards as finances permit, the renovation of the Princess Mary Ward has been completed at a cost of approximately £2OO at the Palmerston North Hospital, and it is now occupied by patients who have been removed from the old No. 4 ward, which is now empty. The newer portion of the Hospital, the Wilson Memorial block, is also occupied in consequence of the evacuation of this old ward. The patients are now in much brighter and more restful quarters for Christmas and the summer months. The Princess Mary Ward, which has undergone a considerable transformation, was built during the Great War and, with its verandah space, has since been used to accommodate 26 patients. It is situated between the Prince of Waies and Royal Alexandra Wards in the main hospital block. The modernisation of this wing has facilitated the classification of patients, and the improvements are greatly appreciated by all. There has been added to tho ward a completely new sterilising room, fully equipped. The walls of tho ward have a polished enamel finish in a quiet cream shade above a blue bordered iado of battleship grey. This is in conformity with the gradual standardisation of the colour scheme throughout the hospital, and is most attractive, relieving the monotonous aspect of bare white walls. The ward has been partitioned at tho northern end in a manner which provides a quiet, well-curtained sixbed room for post-operation cases, and ndjoining another similar room with accommodation for four beds for older cases. There is a further well-lighted room with the walls painted white by the stipple method. The renovated ward provides accommodation for 32 patients and is complete with a separate patients and nurses’ annexe, linen room and sister s room. All fittings have been replaced or replated, and the floor surfacing has been renewed. The ward is now in line with the other modern facilities provided at the Hospital.