Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 15 March 1913
Conisboro’ Isolation Hospital
Suggested Sanatorium
An Amended Extension Scheme
The monthly meeting of the Doncaster and Mexboro’ Joint Hospital Board was held at the Conisboro’ Isolation Hospital on Wednesday afternoon, the Chairman, Councillor John Claxton, presiding.
Others present included Councillors J. Wood, J.P., and T. Ashmore, Henry Bell, and H. Abbey; County Councillor R. Snow Atter; J. R. Pearson, of Darwen; F. Parker; S. Walkden; F. Fisher; Warrener; and Henry Hollingworth.
G. White (Maltby), Smith, W. Williamson (Brodsworth), and T. W. Wadsworth were also present, together with the Clerk, Mr. J. Marshall, and the Medical Officer, Dr. J. Wight.
A Funny Lot
The Clerk stated that the Clerk to the Bentley District Council had informed him that that Council could not pay their cheque in respect of the prompt due from them until it arrived, and were replenished.
Mr. Ellington said as a matter of fact the Bentley authority were in a satisfactory financial position, but the County Council owed them over £300, and they could not deal with their liabilities until that money was paid over.
Mr. Baker: “What a funny lot the County Council are! However, we shall be able to wake them up now we have got Frank Ogley on.” (Laughter.)
Sanatoria & Economy
The Clerk read a letter from the West Riding District Councils’ Association regarding the treatment of tuberculosis. The Association stated that they had been asked by the West Riding Public Health and Housing Committee to supply them with particulars of existing hospitals in the West Riding which, in the opinion of the Association, would be suitable for the treatment of persons suffering from tuberculosis.
The Committee felt that by utilising the existing hospitals the capital expenditure of the County Council would be materially reduced, and ultimately the burden on the rates would be diminished. Therefore the Association were desirous that the return should be as complete as possible.
The Clerk claimed that the West Riding District Councils’ Association some time ago made representations against the County Council’s proposals to erect one large sanatorium for the purpose of the Insurance Act, and said that there were sufficient buildings in the Ridings capable of utilisation for the purposes at the present time, at any rate until it was decided it would be economical to provide one sanatorium or several sanatoria.
He had already supplied particulars regarding the Conisboro’ Hospital, and had mentioned that they had a smallpox hospital which the Board would probably be prepared to grant the County Council the use of for this purpose.
Mr. Snow: “That is, subject to their being prepared to remove their patients in the event of an outbreak of smallpox.”
The Clerk: “That is taken for granted.”
The action of the Clerk was confirmed.
The Extension Scheme
The Clerk read a letter from the Local Government Board announcing its intention to hold an inquiry into the application of the Board for sanction to a loan of £528 for the purpose of extensions and additions to their Isolation Hospital at Conisboro’.
The Clerk produced details of an amended estimate of the cost of this scheme. The original estimate according to the architect’s scheme was £449, but the additions involved brought the final figures up to £528.
On the proposal of Mr. Snow it was decided to submit the estimates as amended to the consideration of the Local Government Board.
It was also resolved to advance to Mr. Percy Brimson, of Doncaster Road, Leeds, the architect for the extensions, a sum of £50 on account.
Conveyance of Patients
The Board considered the terms of the contract for the conveyance of patients to the hospital, at present held by Mr. S. Whitefield.
Mr. Whitefield had asked to be released if the contract, or in the alternative, to be allowed to increase his tariff.
The Clerk presented figures which showed that last year the cost of the removal of patients amounted to £40 19s. 9d. Under the proposed tariff the cost would have been £45 15s. The Board considered the proposed increase reasonable, and agreed to it.
Medical Report
The Medical Officer reported that there were remaining in the Hospital 21 cases of scarlet fever, one of enteric, and eight of diphtheria. There had been one death from diphtheria during the month.
Accounts to the amount of £169 15s. 10d. were passed for payment.