A VISIT TO ST. HELEN’S, WELLINGTON.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1745, 27 October 1917, Page 3

A VISIT TO ST. HELEN’S, WELLINGTON.

(Contributed)

It Avas a glorious spring day in September, Avhen I accepted a cordial invitation from a senior nurse in the above institution to have a look through the State controlled matefnitay hospital in Wellington. Taking a NeAvtoAvn tram car from Willis Street corner, and acting on the advice of the tram conductors—and for their courtesy and consideration I must speak a Avord of praise—l changed to a Constable Street ear, leaA'ing the car at the foot of Coromandel Street. I turned for directions to an elderly lady who had alighted with me, and on her assuring me she Avas also going to St. Helen’s to see a friend there, I fell into step beside her, and she told me that in her opinion it-Avas a splendid institution, splendidly managed and equipped. After a short climb, I found St. Helen’s standing in its OAvn grounds, and perched High on a sunny eminence. Passing through a vestibule brightened Avith pot plants —the special care of the matron’s, my guide informed me —down a long stone corridor, the Avhitc Avails giving such a look of cleanliness, and past the matron’s office to the sitting or convalescent room of the hospital. Every suggestion of comfort avus here, and bright Avith plants it radiated cheerfulness. On through Avards Avith one, two or more beds, empty just then, their occupants being out on the sunny verandahs enjoying the spring day. The hospital is a i.AVO-sloreyod building, the upper floor being reserved for mothers during their first teAV days of confinement, Avhen rest and quietness is so essential to their Avell-being. ’The room of pain where life begins for so many avus perfect. Its spotless purity was arresting, and that combined Avith every convenience that science can invent to alleviate and allay those dread hours before delivery. The ordeal over, and the patient made comfortable, she is Avhceled along on a bed to a lift designed for the purpose, and bed and patient are taken bodily up to the upper storey to rest and recuperate, A feature of the hospital I considered avus the nursery, Avith its toavs of bassinettes, each Avith its tiny occupant with a cord attached bearing his or her name. One Avee laddie born at 4 a.m. that day Avas sleeping so peacefully. TAventy-nine babies Avere in the hospital at the time of my visit, and the greater number were little boys.

The nursery is roomy and airy, with plenty of sun, and if the temperature falls a fire is lit, and hot water bottles provide artificial heat.

The situation is ideal for a hospital, and a magnificent vieAV is afforded from all points, doAA’n into Wellington one Avay, and across the valley to Berharapore and out to Lyall Bay. It lacked the depressing effect of a genreal hospital, for it radiated youth, and it fills a growing need that is felt in every town in Ncav Zealand. Its fees are moderate, and most suitable to the means of the average Avorking man. All honour to the grand old man Avho paved the Avay and made this possible, and as ho quietly sleeps to-day, he is doubly blessed, for to quote John Oxenham:

Blessed arc they whose memories avc cherish; Our thoughts add jewels to their croAvus.

AAvay from the noise and turmoil of the Streets, Avith a solitude fitting to the needs of the mother, yet bright Avith God’s own sunshine, I thought as I rode back to the heart of Wellington: “It is more than a hospital, it is a home—-a sanctuary!”