IN ORTHOPOEDIC UNIT.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 July 1918, Page 3

IN ORTHOPOEDIC UNIT.

SIR JAMES ALLEN’S PROPOSALS

CHRISTCHURCH July 24. i At a meeting of the Christchurch Hospital and Churitnblc Aid Board today the special committee appointed to consider details of proposals made by Colonel Valintine with regard to the establishment of the ‘ orthopocdic unit at Christchurch Hospital was presented. Tho following telegram was receiv- , ed from Sir Jas Allen with regard to the orthopoedic unit and its housing in Chalmers Ward :—“I am quite in accord with the proposal to use Chalmers Ward for sick and wounded soldiers. My department thinks it unnecessary, however, to build other wards, and now proposes to make provision for gymnasium, clectrotherapeutic, and balneological rooms in the corridor adjoining our massage room, at a cost of, say £1000; also a now workshop costing' say £900; also £IOO for tho re-appropriation of a room in the old residential wing, together with £SOO for tho housing of tho medical officer, this being an extension of tlie present junior resident officer’s quarters; making a total of £I9OO. These proposals are subject to your board’s approval. I have consulted the Minister of Public Health, and he concurs on the understanding that tho Defence Department pays for the rent of the building to house those civilians for whom accommodation cannot be found. I have informed the Minister of Public Health that the Chalmers Ward may be required for three years after the war, and that the Defence Department would pay the rent of the building.” The new proposals were criticised adversely by several members. However, it was finally decided to leave the whole matter in abeyance in the hands of the special committee.