CHILDREN FROM WHAKATANE AT GISBORNE CAMP

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 45, 30 September 1949, Page 5

CHILDREN FROM WHAKATANE AT GISBORNE CAMP

The nearest Health Camp to Whakatane is at Gisborne. The first camp was to have been established at the racecourse there but unfortunately the building was burnt down before it was occupied by the children and most of the gear was lost id the fire. However, the blaze did focus public attention on the fact that the camp was needed and the Health Camp Federation was given the use of the St. Helens Hospital in Childers Road. This camp serves the Opotiki, Wairoa and Whakatane districts and every year some hundreds of children are received and treated. The Matron is a trained nurse and the Deputy Matron also whenever possible. In addition there is a qualified school teacher, who assists in the management of the children. Doctor Attends There is a doctor giving attention to the children at the camp. Actually, however, the success achieved is due principally to the observance of simple rules for the preservation of health —fresh airsunshine, rest and wholesome food at regular hours. Records are kept of each child’s weight and height and it is interesting to note that the average gain in weight for the six weeks in the camp is 4albs for gilds and 51bs for boys. The applicants for the camps are selected by the District and School nurses and when the children return home the District nurse gives them follow up assistance. This is a valuable part of the system. Parents need have no worries about their children’s welfare in the camp. Escorts are provided for all children travelling to and from camp and they are also covered by a £2OOO comprehensive insurance policy. The cost per child per week is approximately 355. Costs are kept as low as possible, but it is not possible to go below a certain point. The main business of the camp is children’s health and it is not possible to cut expenses. The treatment in the camp is free to parents. The camp depends for its income on donations, and the sale of Health Stamps, but in latter years donations have declined but sales have increased.