CURES BY SCENERY

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 97, 18 January 1919, Page 12

CURES BY SCENERY

HAVEN FOR SHIOLL-SHOCK PATIENTS. Having grown up almost as silently as a mushroom in the night, the convalescent camp at Georges Heights, Mosnian, is one of the most remarkable institutions in' Sydney (says the "Sun"). During the twelve months in which it has assisted in repairing some of the human wrecks of the war it has been singularly silent in Re operations, being seldom mentioned except in connection with a proposed (and now promised) tramline, and yet in that time it has handled 8000 cases, in the bulk of which cures lu.ve been effected. In others immense relief has been afforded, and in only a very few has failure had to be admitted.

No more ideal spot for a hospital could be discovered if the world wore searched from pole to pole. Of high elevation, .situated close to the centre of a great city, and yet free- from its noise and bustle, it is a site in a million.

■Many of the cases which are turned over to its tender, care are broken men, mere human wrecks, who have just enough energy to struggle into • its quiet grounds and gently drop anchor there. They are lavaged by shellshock, enfeebled beyond all belief, and the rumble of the motor-car in wliich they are carried along the metalled road to the hospital drives them almost frar.tic.

Once inside, however, they are in a new world. Noise disappears. Doors do not slam to drive them into a paroxysm of terror. Nothing jars. They settle down in a ward which commands one of tho most delightful panoramic views of land and water imaginable. Everything is restful, and under the combined influence of pleasant surroundings and sympathetic treatment they make remarkably rapid 'recovery. ■ '

The hospital commands a view that stretches from Middle Harbour right to the Quay—a regular paradise, which has prompted the remark that more men are cured by the view than by medicine. Proof of the healthy surroundings is supplied by the fact that , the year has passed without a death,. and there has' not oven been a caso of infectious disease there. No men could be shown more consideration. • Infiuite pains are taken to rebuild the innimcd. Working hand in hand with tho massage staff is a physical culture instructor, who exercises the injured limb so that tho dormant muscles might be brought back to life. The parallel bar is used, arid 'swimming is also exceedingly useful— the mon have their own beach in Obelisk Bay.

The best results arc achieved by the massage staff, however, and many a doleful nian has been sent away happy.

One, Corporal , had his hand crippled by a, shrapnel splinter, so that the fingers were locked ma grip which could have been broken oiily by smashing the fingers. Dnily massage has relaxed the muscles, and with great joy ho wrote his name.

Private lost his toes through trench i'eet. Losing your toes means that you are a cripple, and yet under trentment he walked as well as ever and dnnced as gracefully as anyone- who ever chose a partner. ,

Another young man who passed through the hospital was admitted to recover from the shock caused by the loss of both legs below the knees. Ho used to walk about with pads on tho stumps. Then ho went away to Molbourno and returned in a few months to greet his comrades,' standing 6 feet high on his new limbs, and beautifully balanced.

Thcso cases could bo multiplied by the hundred, but they are sufficient to indicate that magnificent service is being rendered there. Later on when the plnce becomes a general hospital, curative workshops will be built, and its usefulness will bo largely extended. Colonel C Wassel, D.5.0., A.A.M.C., is the O.C. of the hospital, and Lieutenant Cross (n-lio served in South Africa and saw,, three years' service .in this, war)' is secretary and'adjutant.,