AROUND THE WARDS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2142, 18 March 1908, Page 2

AROUND THE WARDS.

A VISIT TO THIS GISBORNE HOSPITAL

It iH not a charity, hut a duty, a duty from overy point of view for man to give his host attention, caro and treatment to those who experience periods of misfortune and aro laid asido either permanently or temporarily by disease or accident. To this end noble men and women have devoted their time, their money, their skill, and in many cases their lives; their only reward being the satisfaction that tboy aro serving their fellow beings, and tlio 'knowledge that tho service of man is the service of God.

The casual visitor to a hospital usually secs the patient from the bedsido point of view. Ho speaks to him, tries to cheer him up and is gone. But there is another side of the treatment to be soon, the side where the patient •and'skfttled staff c/f doctors and nurses are busy bringing into operation all that science, kindness, and perseverance can accomplish. The visitors are usually allowed into the hospitals in the afternoon when all is ready for their reception, they see the nurses sitting around, in their becoming uniforms, and the suggestion unconsciously conics uppermost: what an easv timo they have. Should, however, a visit to such an institution be made in the morning, the other side of the picture would be presented, and they would then see what a life of sacrifice a nurse’s duty entails. A representative of tlio “Times” paid a visit to the Gisborne Hospital yesterday morning, where he was sliown over the 1 establishment by Dr Carlylo AVilson. The doctor had just finished performing a surgical operation, and was enjoying a cigarette. “Those aro the convalescents’ said ho, indicating a gathering of men of all ages, who were enjoying tlio fresh air and the warm sunshine out in tlio hospital grounds. Some lounged on tlio verandah, others sat in easy chairs, while a few, not so far progressed as tlio others, moved about in wheel chairs, kept for their use. All seemed happy and cheerful, despite their misfortunes, and gave the doctor a smile of recognition as lie came up to them. All were engaged in conversation, various subjects being discussed, their cases and worries for the time being forgotten. No gloomy depleted moments and “swopping” of symptoms or recital of woes aro always diiseoumged. All around is brightness, and recognising that nature heals herself in her own way, the patients aro taught to make the most of these means to win back their health.

“This is Goorgie,” said the doctor, stepping into a small ward where a smal boy was lying in a cot with his kind nurse sitting beside him. “Well, Georgia, aro you going to whip me to-day,” said Dr. AVilson. “No, not to-day, doctor,” replied the little mite, a big smile covering His face, which apart from the cotton wool pad on liis throat, looked a picture ot health. “This lias boon a ver- good case,” remarked the doctor to the reporter. “It was a severe attack of diphtheria, and it looked as if the worst was going to happen. AVe decided to operate, and that was done fourteen days ago. He made wonderful progress; the metal tube has been taken out; he is talking as well as over, and it should not be long before he is able t-o go home.” Truly the little sufferer was ail example of what surgical skill and tender nursing can do. and some fond mother and father have reason to be thankful for the return of their little boy. Tlio operating theatro was the next room visited. Surgery lias now become such a skilled science that the perfecting of tlio .appointments and tbo appliances for the operating room at tlio hospital is the aim of every good surgeon. The room used for this purpose at. the Gisborne hospital is very suitable. It is well lighted by day from windows and skylights, and fitted with adjustable gas lamps for night-work. The floor is laid in tiles, which can be thoroughly cleaned, while the fittings are or glass, and where metal is used it is covered with white enamel. As the success of surgery depends, to a great degree, upon what is technically called asepsis, or in other words absolute cleanliness and freedom from poisonous germs (the old system of a lit is opt is and (the prolific use of antiseptics .being now obsolete), special attention is given to the thorough sterilising of _ every towel, sponge, dressing, and instrument used in the work. A complete sterilising plant has been installed, and into this the instruments are placed before and l after every operation. The supply of instruments is very tip to date, and for their proper keeping a new instrument cabinet is being imported from England. Through the wards the same cleanliness is pronounced. Patients well on the way to recovery were sitting up in bed reading interesting books and magazines. Others, in a weaker condition, wore resting; a mosquito curtain protecting them from any possible annoyance. Tlio scene as the reporter passed along was certainly an interesting one. The sisters and nurses trip lightly from bedside to bedside, bringing a drink tonic., and smoothing the pillow for another. At ono end of the ward is a sufferer from fever, who, tossing from side to side with uneasy movement and delirious mutterings, needs constant attention, while at the other end a young man lies patiently waiting for a broken leg to heal. Though pain and suffering are under every counterpane, the fact, is wisely kept in subjection, and a bright, cheerful atmosphere prevails.

Tho nurses have a homo in the hospital grounds, but Gisborne, in common with other towns, has great difficulty iii getting trained nurses for its hospital staff. There is room at the hospital for about 45 patients, and all the beds are generally occupied. The site, being as it is on the river bank, is very picturesque, but Dr. Valintine, Inspector-General of Hospitals, has suggested that at some time in the future, when increased population warrants such a change, the present buildings may be used as an infirmary and a place for aged and chronic cases, and that a new hospital should bo erected in another situation. Tho hospital also possesses a room very convenient for bacteriological work, and when cases' are diiiicult to diagnose and research has to ho miide, this room is brought into use. Tho water supply depends for the greater part upon that which supplies the town, while tho sewage passes into a septic tank.