ELEVEN WEEKS IN THE WAIKATO HOSPITAL.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2793, 7 June 1890, Page 2

ELEVEN WEEKS IN THE WAIKATO HOSPITAL.

IBr a Patient. 1 A fiREAT deal has been written and said about the doings of the Waikato Hospital and Charitable Aid Board since its formation some three years ago. Many have grumbled at the expense and censured its ir.anagement, comparing it unfavourably with other Boardi, others have denied the necessity for the institution at all, preferring to remain attached to the Auckland district. These and many other arguments have been refuted again and again, and the members of all the local bodies in the district which contribute the funds are, I think, now satisfied that a very lar«e saving of the ratepayer's money has been made, and' a very great boon been conferred upon the inhabitants by the establishment of the Hospital, Refuge, &c, in our midst, whilst the necessity for the institution is proved by tho continually increasing numbers who unfortunately have to avail themselves of its benefits. Notwithstanding this there eeems to be a considerable amount of ignorance amongst the general public as to the advantages and comforts provided for them. I have seen people almost shudder at the very mention of the Hospital, and heard them piously say they hope they may never come t , ) that, •as though there was danger or degradation in the very idea of it. To help to remove this impression, and also to express niy gratitude for the benefit aud attuntion I received whilst an inmate, is my object in writing this article, which I hope will do something not only to satisfy the inhabitants of Waikato that the money is well spent, but to make them proud of the noble institution whose doors are always open to them in cases of accident or sickness, and where medical nidi , , kindness, sympathy and comfort will be unsparingly bestowed. My first impression on entering the Hospital (where I had been taken with a severe case of blood poisoning) was its bright and cheerful appearance as well as its scrupulous cleanliness. The wards are large, lofty, well-lighted, and warmed by stoves in the centre, so that an even agreeable temperature can be kept up night and day, ample space is allowed for each bed of which there are eight in each ward, and their very appearance with snowy coverlets and linen and spring mattresses are sug restive ot comfort and rest. A convenient locker and chair are placed by each bed, and tho whole furnishing and fittings of the wards tends to calm the mind and gratify the eye. The operating room is provided with all the best and latest surgical appliances. The dispensary, ladies' ward, dining-room, kitchen lavatories, bath-rooms, etc., are all admirably adapted to their requirements, : Too much praise cannot be accorded to the promoters of the Institution, notably Messrs Graham and Primrose, the past and present chairmen of the Board, who aided by the advice and experience of Dr. Kenny decided with a wise economy to have everything of the best, believing that, though it might entail a large outlay at the first, it would be far cheaper (independent of increased efficiency) in the long run, the wisdom of their decision has been fully proved by the encomiums passed upon the Hospital by gentlemen qualified to judge, as well as the success that has attended it. But enough of the building and its appliances. It is not this, though it were a palace, that would heal the sick or comtort and cheer the inmates. The rapidly increasing popularity of the Hospical is due first to the high medical and surgical skill of Dr. Kenny, whose reputation is established by the high average of cures as well as the very low death rate since the establishment of the Hospital, which causes it to occupy a very high, if not the premier position, amongst similar institutions. The genial doctor is also personally popular and deservedly so, his pleasant jovial manner inspires confidence, and his presence is always welcome. I have seen some splendid work performed by him during my eleven weeks residence, and in my own case I gratefully acknowledge that I am indebted to his skill for the preservation of my foot and my perfect recovery. But the real charm of the Hospital, that which gives it its homelike and pleasant character, which driver far away despondency and care, which soothes and assuages pain, which promotes the cheerfulness and happiness which tend so greatly to the recovery of the patients, is the ability and kindness of the ladies, who constitute the workjng staff. No words of mine can do justice to tho manner in which their duties are performed —genial, pleasant, good-tempered—their very presence brings sunshine into the wards. Nothing ssems a trouble to them, and their constant care by day and night is the happiness and comfort of their patients. Of little avail would be the skill of the doctor unless his orders were thoroughly and efficiently carried out, and it is to the skill and untiring attention of the nurses that a large share of the success of the Hospital must be attributed. Some of my readers who have experienced their gentle nursing and kindly sympathy, will, I an) sure, endorse these remarks, and feel as I do a aeep and lasting gratitude to them. Nor must the energetic secretary, who also fulfils the duties of house steward, be forgotten, every day, rain or shine, he visits the Hospital, to him the patients owe the regular delivery of letters and the supply of newspapers, whilst scarcely a day passes but he executes half-a-dozen commissions for the inmates, which must be a considerable tax upon both his time and patience, but like every one else connected with the Institution nothing seems a trouble t>l him. There is ii small library in the building, but many of the bonks arc much worn, and parcels of old books or illustrated papers would be much appreciated and help to wile away many a tedimia hour. I havo not space to say much about the Refuge, which now contains nine inmates. Many of them have done yeoman's service to the colony, one of them having been in New Zealand for fifty-two years, and few will begrudge them in their old age the rest and contentment they are now enjoying. One word as to the future prospects of the institution ere 1 close. There is very little doubt that as its benefits become more widely known and appreciated, and as the district increases its population, the number of patients will be largely increased. This, though it may necessitate increased acenmodation, will not greatly affect the ratepayers, as larger attendance will reduce the cost per head and the increase of fees will materially aid the revenue. It will also necessitate a resident surgeon, and I think the Board will eventually regret that they did not accept the liberal offer made by Dr. Kenny some time ago. Be this as it may the Waikato Hospital is a credit to the Board and an incalculable advantage to tho district.