Cottage Hospital Needed.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 1, Issue 39, 29 October 1912, Page 2

Cottage Hospital Needed.

[TO THE EDITOR.] Sir, —Now that the population of Pukckokc lias become so large I think something should be done to provide a cottage hospital, In an ai tide I read the other day it was stated: —''As population and settlement increase in the country districts th r necessity for belter provision f ■ medical and surgical treatmen: ' i'..-o*nos more prtssing and and i nponaut. The be-t way of meeting "his want is undoubtedly by establishing cottage hospitals. From several towns all cases requiring special treatment, have now to be sent t) the Auckland Hospital. Not only does this entail delay but frequently causes great pain nnd suffering to the patient. It is obvious that in cases of serious accident this is not only a hardship but a danger. The only drawback to the establishment of country hospitals is that of expeus.', but wherever there are reasonab'e grounds for believing that the cost can be defrayed by the districts benefited every assistance should be afforded them in the direction of securing such valuable local institutions. Cogent arguments may be advanced for centralisation in respect of many things, but we do not think it can be contended that the principle applies to hospital treatment. The more numerous the opportunities are of obtaining such treatment tho better for those requiring it." Within recent months I know of two accident cases which had to be sent to Auckland hospital from I'ukokohe. In one case the result was fatal; in the other severe suffering was endured before the patient was able to receive attention. This town ought by this time to be provided with an institution where accident and other emergency cases could be treated. —I am, etc., HUMANE.