HEALTH CAMP

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 104, 23 December 1931, Page 2

HEALTH CAMP

OPENING IN JANUARY THREE HUNDRED CHILDREN FOR SPECIAL CARE AT OTAKI BENEFITS TO CHILDREN "Dr. Bakewell, school medical officer, has a list of 300 children who are ready to go into the Children's Health Camp at .Otaki when it is opened at the end of January," said Dr. Ada Paterson at a meeting of interested local bodies held at the Wellington Town Hall. Dr. Paterson remarked that provision could not he xnade at the start for such a large number — that the intention at present was to start. with 60 children. The Minister of Health had :already given his warm approval of the movement, and the Prime Minis!ter had intimated his intention of broadcasting a message expressing his hearty support of children's health camps, which had medical endorsement as a public health measure. Dr. ■ J. S. . Elliott said he was pleased to hear that the movement had the endorsement of the Government. He would like to -know, however, if funds would be available for the camp when it was opened. No doubt voluntary effort was necessary, but it seemed to him that more than that would be required,. especially in regard to medical supervision and

nursing help. ■ ' • • . Dr. H» E. Gibbs, who represented the Rotary Club, gave the health camp movement his cordial supporc, and agreed to a proposal made by Mr. Combs (Mount Cook School) that an executive committee be set up to take any initiatory steps that may be required during. the approaching holidays. A resolution to that effect was adopted by the meeting. The selection of the children will be carried out by officers of the School Medical Service, but recom■mendations for admission to the camp will be 'received . by the secretary of the association, and will be given favourable consideration. The money for the excellent camp buildings at Otaki was provided from the Christmas Seal Fund. "In every community there are proportionately. a large number of

under-nourished children, writes a .medical practitioner. "The importance of the proper care and supervision of the children can scarcely be over-em-phasised. I know of • a camp which was financed by the sale of Christmas seals; it was sponsored by a federation of women's clubs, and was under the direct supervision of the Health Department. Health Department nurses were on duty constantly. It is not well to change the nursing personnel during the course of the camp. After the children become acquainted with nurses, to substitute strangers disturbs the camp equilibrium, and favours the lowering of disciplinary standards. "The results obtained were extion of the children in the short period of six weeks is remarkable. The change, in their appearance was apparent to the most superficial observers." ■