OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 29, 16 March 1942, Page 6

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

(N.Z.E.F. Official News Service)

To counteract one of the most trying features of illness and convalesccncc —the boredom in passing the time away—a band of women volunteer workers liave lor

over a year been carrying out interesting and progressive experiments in occupational therapy at a large New Zealand general hospital. Results have been remarkable, and today one large building at the hospital is completely used for this important work. To enter this building is like walking into a large playroom that has been half converted into a boy's' workshop. Brightly coloured toys glistening in their new paint line the rows of shelves. On one side of the room a New Zealand soldier is engrossed - with a small lathe, cutting intricate designs on plywood. Beside him a hefty "digger" is putting the finishing touches to a small wooden engine.

In a specially allotted corner, a patient has temporarily discarded his crutches and is doggedly trundling a stationary bicycle. It is fitted with a speedometer, and he knows that he must not exceed a certain speed. He may also know that this gradual exercise is strengthening an injured muscle or nerve or perhaps breaking down an adhesion. Besides, it is something to keep him interested.

That is the main object of occupational therapy—the relief of nervous tension by keeping the hands and mind active. The scope of the work is by no means limited to toymaking. Many New Zealanders have during their stay in hospital become expert at knitting, embroidering, erochetting and many other forms of handicraft, which in normal times they have been content to leave to their wives and sisters. It

is no uncommon sight to discover a soldier sitting up in bed stitching delicate floral designs in silk on what should prove a very attractive woman's handbag. It may take him several weeks to complete the job, but the result will be a piece of work of which any skilled needlewoman might well be proud. Most popular work has proved to be tapestry designing, and cushion covers. Designs, many of which arc drawn by th'e patients themselves, include t3'pical Egyptian scenes. Silk embroidered New Zealand badges are also favoured. Scarves weaved on small hand-looms are another popular feature.

Patients are able to buy their work when completed, prices being kept down to cost of materials, and even then seldom is the charge more than 25 piastres (five shillings) . The surplus has been disposed of at several successful sales, while occasionally the National Patriotic Fund Board makes a bulk purchase for disposal in New Zealand. Other sources of income are donations, which are necessary to keep up the stock of tools and materials. Wood in particular is an expensive item in. Egypt.

Of the six women who give their time and energy to occupational therapy at the hospital, three are American and three Swiss. Most of them have been giving their sei*vices since the scheme was first introduced, in November, 1940. One of the Americans did similar work in the American Army in France during the last war, while another is a keen student of psychology. All of them express their liking lor the New Zealand soldier, whom they say is very like American young men, both in manner and speech.

'Tliey arc always so cheerful and tire quick to learn," said one of the instructresses. She added that it was hoped to start a leather 'work section. Already book-binding work had been introduced, by Lady h reyberg. books being bound for the library at the New Zealand Club in Cairo. The only ImndicralT thai ha'l mol •'taken on" w;is .knilting. the men stating I heir preference lor v.orK which allowed taeni [o u--c mo; - " initiative and individuality.