PUKEORA'S WORK

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 72, 17 December 1937, Page 31 (Supplement)

PUKEORA'S WORK

Sanitorium's Service to T.B. Patients IDEAL SURROUNDINGS Of the several institutions in Hawke's Bay dedicated to the cure of ill-health and the care of the sick, few can make a great appeal to the sympathy of the people than Pukeora Sanatorium. It is there that those who are unfortunate enough to have contracted tuberculosis are nursed back to health with treatment involving the maximum of sunshine, pure air, good food and expert supervision. The large number of patients who have received treatment at Pukeora and have returned to their Eomes well on the way to complete recovery is adequate proof of the value of the institution and the great service it is doing in the cause of health. Tounded in 1918. The sanatorium was established in 1918 to care for returned soldiers suffering from tuberculosis. At that time, the only sanatorium available was at Cambridge, and this proved to be quite inadequate for the number of cases brought forward. After a careful survey of possible sites in the North Island, Pukeora, on the main highway a few miles out of Waipukurau, was selected. Here was an ideal location, bathed in almost perpetual sunshine, swept by invigorating breezes from the Euahine ranges, with.a superb view of mountain, river and plain, centrally situated, close to a railway station, and with plenty of gro-und for any additions or extensions that might be required from time to time. Then, too, it was some 700 feet above sea level, surrounded by 260 acres of rich agricultural land. Change of Control Up till the year 1922 the sanatorium was under the\ control oi the Defenco Department, but in 1923 the administration was transferred to the Department of Health. Ten years later the institution was placed under the control of the Waipawa Hospital Board, on the recommendation of the Economlc Uommission. The sanatorium is equipped to accommodate about 150 patients. The number of inmates varies consider&bly from time to time, It will, doubtless, be of special interest to all New Zealanders to note that the Dominion has at the present timo a lower death-rate from tuberculosis than any other country in the world. The Maximum Sunshine. . If Ihe provision of beautiful surroundings and a pleasant, cheery a'tmosphere aro important features of the treatment, Pukeora provides these in plenty. The lay-out of the sanatorium, with its numbers of open

verandahs, porches and shelters, has the air of a summer camp rather than a hospital, and the sun's health-giviug rays can penetrate to every corner. The many gardens are bright with flowers, and when the gorse and brooms are in flower in the Tukituki riverbed below, there is a trail of golden glory leading towards tho soa. Kecreation, The institution is justly proud of its bowling green, and many a good game has been played there, with frequent matches with rinka from bowling clubs in the district. Indoor recreation is provided for; with billiards and other popular pastimes, while the library is well stocked with all types of literature. Papers and periodicals are supplied by friends, and in this department there can never be an over-supply. Passing motorists often leave books, magazines and other gifts for the patients in a box at the main gate of the sanatorium Entertainment. The social hall is one of the special amenities of the sanatorium. Here, picture programmes are presented, aud the many concert parties that visit the institution throughout the year give programmes of music, drama and general entertainment. Not only outside people, but the patients themselves, often stage a show with a surprising exhibition of talent. Some of the best entertainments have

been given by inmates of the institution. First with Radio. Pukeora was the first hospital in New Zealand to intstal radio for the entertainment of its patients. The equipment has been brought up-to-date, and headphones are available for practically every bed. The desire of the Waipawa Hospital Board is to provide the best possible service for those unfortunate people afflicted with that malady, and it has not only improved the equipment and buildings to a very considerable extent since the sanatorium whs placed under its control^ but has endeavoured to reduce the fees to the lowest possible rate. * The medical superintendent and the matron, together with all members of the nursing and general staff, receive nothing but appreciation and thanks from those who have passed through Pukeora Sanatorium and have returned tp civilian life, ready to take up their duties again in the rough-and-tumble of everyday affairs.