Big Scheme In View For Physically Disabled

Chronicle (Levin), 23 July 1948, Page 7

Big Scheme In View For Physically Disabled

WELLINGTON, July 21. A acheme for the treatment of spastic cases, patients suffering from the after effects of poliomyelitis and otlier cases suffering frora physica.1 Uisabilities, is now being considered by the GoYeminpjit and it is likely that the scheme will be centred at Rotorua. This major plaii has put i'n the baekground temporarily,- the possible estabfishing; of a training school for the treatment of poliomyelitis ahd the training of personnel in the methods of Hister Elizabeth Kenny. In' an interview today abont the future of the Kenny system in New Zealand and th'e clainis of Sister G. A. Dryden, of the Kenny Hospital at Silverstream, that the training school eould - be set up imiuediateiy, the Minister of Health (Aliss 'M. B. Howard) said that at the present tin^p eonsidefation was being giv,en to the' adoption of a scheme "for theiDominion to provide the most up-to-date treatment for spastic cases, patients suff«ring froni the after effects of poliomyelitis and otlier cases suffering from physical disabilities. Dr. G. A. Q. Lennane, who recently arrived in New Zealand from Great Britain, has been appointed by the Government to take charge of this scheme. ' ' 1 aiu not yet ready to announce detaiis but it is probable tliat this scheme will be based 011 Rotorua so that advantage may be taken of the facilities available there, " she said. "Witli this major scheme in view, it is not possible to arrive at a decision at present about the establishment ot ilie training school in th'e methods of riister Kenny. Lt should be cJear that the scheme now under consideratioii takes into account v'arious types of cases. lu the meantime a limited number of physiotherapicts trained in tlie Ivenny te'clmique, are' available in New ■Zealand and tliey can visit auy public iiospitais requiring their services. l'here are- now tvvo Kenny techni'eiainfrom the United States in New Zealand and it is kuow-n that au effort is being made to obtain the services of a third.