Access to hospital

Press, 17 April 1979, Page 16

Access to hospital

Sir, — What an uproar you have raised. One blithe spirit even expressed concern at the need for peace and beauty as enjoyed by patients in 1887. At least they were spared the aural discomfort from over-loud transistors and portable TV sets. As a former patient, recently transferred from dreary Ward 2 to Ward 28 in the new wing, I was most appreciative of the new peace and beauty. But, of course, I was on the inside, enjoying the beauty of the new surroundings, and ncrt outside anxious to find fault with the exterior. It should be remembered that a principal anxiety of patients is the inconvenience experienced by visiting families and friends. If the planned new access will ease that anxiety, then let it go ahead with all haste. Surely Christchurch’s “sacred cow” will not suffer unduly from a miniscule slice off “her” rump. —Yours, etc., L. A. H. BOGREN. April 14, 1979. Sir, — In your article “Law halts access” (April 10) you state that, “the proposed new bridge will be strictly controlled, probably by a manned post, and only authorised vehicles will gain access.” To be effective, this would have to be a 24-hour guard. Otherwise, some motorists would no doubt drive from Rolleston Avenue through the hospital grounds to connect with Riccarton Avenue, especially at night. Is the Hospital Board really prepared to incur such expense for that pur-, pose? —Yours etc., HANS LARSEN. April 15, 1979.

Sir, — It’is high time the Hospital Board realised the limitations of its present site and planned accordingly. At present the board is considering moving the Christchurch Women’s Hospital to the main site. This must further crowd an already congested site. lacking in access, bridge or no bridge. The temporary bridge has already been abused by com-

mercial drivers quick to recognise a short-cut to Hagiey Avenue. Any benefits of the proposed bridge should be weighed against the social costs of congestion in the surrounding cultural zone and the loss of further open space. A similar situation is developing with the council perhaps expanding the Art Gallery into the Botanic Gardens. Convenience or conservation? —Yours, etc., P. I. REDMOND, Kaiapoi. April 14, 1979.