PROVIDING FOR NURSES

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2632, 1 December 1915, Page 3

PROVIDING FOR NURSES

A SYDNEY SUGGESTION. Some of the wounded boys—with Trooper J. Shcehnn, of the Ist Light Horse, at their head —who met tho stress of the early engagements in Gallipoli, aud who realise from their spell in hospital tho magnificent work being done by tho military nurses, are anxious that somo appreciation of the latter s self-sacrifice should bo shown them on their return to Sydney, states the Sydney "Daily Telegraph." flic proposition of the returned boys takes a practical form. Thoy suggest establishing a sort of "Anzao Club" tor use of all nurses connected with military hospitals; and so that initial expenses will not ij e prohibitive, tho ldoa is io make a modest beginning with a centrally situated flat of two large rooms—one to be furnished as a cosy sitting-room, with plenty of easy chairs, lounges, cushions, etc., and tho otlior as a dressing or toilet room, with dressing tables and accessories. A maid, capped and aproned, and suited to tlio work, would bo in attendance to p;ive the nurses any assistance they might need, so that on arrival from the transports or elsewhere they could rest and 'be made comfortable. . Light refreshments would bo served_ at a nominal cost, and books, magazines, and writing materials would he on hand.

The suggestion is' an excellent one, and is worthy of consideration. At tho present time the nurses arriving ill the transports, after weary weeks of close attention to duty, have to hustle round as best can for refreshments to sccure taxis, etc. "those who have not been in a hospital for the wounded," say the returned soldiers, "can have no conception of the arduous character of the work performed by tho nurses. Their spells 'oil duty' aro extremely lengthy, extending over, two days and one night-, during which time they have no break; and frequently, on the way back. one nurse has as many as 30 patients to care for."

Hie originators of the idea propose meeting the_ nurses at tlio transports find conducting them to the club rooms.