THE CONSUMPTIVE SOLDIERS
;(. GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES. The large number of soldiers who are returning from the war afflicted with tuberculosis, presents a, new problem to the authorities, and energetic steps arc being taken to meet the situation. A statement on this subject was made by the, Minister of Internal''Affairs (the Hon. G. W. Russell) yesterday. .. "Tho Internal Affairs' Department, which has control of sick and wounded :soldiers,- has recently been impressed with the largo number of consumptive cases that aro occurring amongst the returned men," said Mr. Eussell. "The number shows a tendency to increase rapidly, and tho estimates received from flic Medical Staff, though varying, indicate ' that- a very largo number of ihen will have to be treated as consumptives on their return. '■ This compels the Department to prepare for this class of f. ;es, and that work is now under way. Tho accommodation at the Government Te Waikato Sanatorium has already been considerably enlarged, and will be further added to .as required. Approval has already been given for the increase of the accommodation at tho Sanatorium at Palmerston South, belonging to- the Otago Hospital Board. ... "yesterday, accompanied by Dr. Valentine and Dr.-Frengley, Mr'. Baldwin, chairman of• the Hospital Board, and ,Mr. J. Smith, chairman of the Hospital Committee, I visited tlfc sanatorium and hospital at Otaki. AVe jiiade. a careful examination of the place, with' a view to tho possibility of enlarging it. Tho Health Department wjll shortly approach the Hospital Board with a proposal that the Government assume complete control of tho entire institution, both sanatorium and hospital, with a view of making it a second Government institution in the North Island, for tho '.treatment of consumptive cases, and 'especially soldier patients. It is riot ;anticipated that there will be any diffi,cnlty in making-the necessary arrangc'ment with the Hospital Board. My idea on this matter is that tuberculosis must be' tackled more as a national obligation than as one resting chiefly, as hitherto, upon the hospital- boards. .''i While arranging for the reception of soldier patients at Otaki, the responsibility of the State to civilians in the Wellington district will certainly uot be ignored."
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Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2900, 12 October 1916, Page 6
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356THE CONSUMPTIVE SOLDIERS Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2900, 12 October 1916, Page 6
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