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outside interests which bring us in close daily contact with the public, with a staff which is frequently changing, it is hardly possible not at times for some members of the staff to cause dissatisfaction. Further, as this Hospital is a Government institution it is particularly open to attack on the part of certain sections of the public, who at times make demands upon us that they would not dream of doing if the institution were a private one or if we were in private practice. SECTION 2.—KING GEORGE V HOSPITAL, ROTORUA. Dr. VV. Stanley Wallis, Medical Superintendent j Dr. W. F. Lumsden ; Dr. J. P. Donald; Miss E. Hodges, Matron (A.R.R.G). Staff. —The work of the year has proceeded without any untoward incidents of a far-reaching nature, and I have to express my satisfaction to my officers for their continued loyalty and support. Surgical Operations. During the year 345 surgical operations ,have been performed, and a proportion of these have dealt with new fields in surgery, and we feel that during the last twelve months we have attempted to maintain steady progress towards greater proficiency in those types of procedures which have now become standardized throughout the country, and while yet maintaining an open mind towards newer procedures the elaboration of which we have successfully carried out. We have been paying particular attention to the surgery of the spastic palsies, and feel confident that the results achieved have demonstrated that this institution has been a satisfactory testing-ground for the furtherance of this difficult and intricate surgical study. Ancesthetics. —There have been no anaesthetic deaths throughout the year, and in recording my appreciation of Dr. Lumsden's services as an anaesthetist I would thank the controlling officers for the way in which we have been well kept supplied with only the very best quality of anaesthetic supplies. Civilian Patients. —Further and increasing use is being made of the Hospital by ordinary civilian patients, and we are receiving admirable support from the majority of the medical men in the district. We beg to express our appreciation of the new Willys-Knight ambulance, a model of its kind, and are sure that the action of the Department in this matter will receive due appreciation and commendation from tho whole of the district. I would recommend that a policy be shortly laid down regarding the treatment of patients who are prepared to pay more than the current rates of fees for extra conveniences, and that Lowry Ward No. 2 be subdivided for this purpose. The time is shortly approaching when the advisability of setting apart a certain number of beds, preferably in a separate block, for maternity cases must be considered, and I would recommend that this matter be gone into during the coming year. Service Patients. —These patients arc concentrated in Lowry Ward No. 1, and this ward has provided sufficient beds for their accommodation. During the year the Red Cross Institute has been closed, and a compartment in Lowry Ward No. 1 has been utilized as a recreation-room for the service patients. The Education Department has taken a temporary lease of the Red Cross Hut, and are holding classes therein for the senior standards. Physio-therapeutic Department. —At the beginning of the year our staff at the massage department numbered fifteen. The present staff is eight, including the head masseuse. During the year 41,611 treatments have been given, with a daily average attendance of 108 patients. Laboratory and Dispensary. —The number of prescriptions dispensed throughout the year is 1,027. Our dispensary now undertakes a supply of all dressings and drugs and sundries to the dental clinics and district nurses of the Auckland District. Plaster Department. 1,142 plaster operations have been performed throughout the year, and this department, under the control of tho theatre sister, has been run evenly and satisfactorily. X-Ray Department. —The X-ray examinations for the year total 546. The Radiographer during the year has paid several visits to Pukeora Sanatorium, and has given advice both in Tauranga and Whakatane upon matters pertaining to the care and use of their plant and equipment. Splinlmaker's Shop. —Tho number of splints and appliances mado during the year is 179, and the number of repairs 223. Surgical Bootmaker's Shop. —The number of surgical boots made during the year is 155, and the number oi repairs 365. Administration. —In conclusion, I would record again the help I have received from my responsible officers, the Matron, and the nursing staff, and acknowledge our appreciation of the services rendered during the year by the Red Cross Sooioty, the Rotorua Women's Club, and many other friends who have contributed time, money, or its equivalent, for the welfare of our patients. Finally, I beg to thank the Hon. Minister of Health and yourself for your criticism and help throughout the year, and the courtesy that has at all times been extended to us. SECTION 3.—OTAKI SANATORIUM AND HOSPITAL. Dr. A. H. Curtis, Medical Superintendent; Miss Skaly, Matron. Results of Treatment. —In submitting an analysis of cases treated at the Sanatorium during 1923 the results may be considered satisfactory. The percentage of cases discharged with the disease arrested —55 per cent. —compares well with previous years. On the other hand the class of case admitted was not so good as last year, and we were handicapped by a large number of borderland cases —those that alternate between hours up and complete rest in bed. It was largely because of
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