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Pukeora Sanatorium, Waipukurau. " General: During the past year 264 patients were treated ; 117 cases were discharged relieved, 24 discharged unrelieved, and 2 have died, both of which were advanced cases unlikely to benefit by sanatorium treatment. The number of patients at the beginning of the year was 120, and at the end of the year 121. " Admissions : It is somewhat pathetic to see the sort of case frequently sent here as ' likely to benefit by Sanatorium treatment.' It would appear as if some other form of selection will have to be devised, as the reports received prior to admission do not always afford sufficient evidence of the suitability or otherwise for sanatorium treatment. "It is cruelty for patients to arrive here full of hope, and then to be sent away unimproved. They know that it is equivalent to signing their death warrant, however one may try to soften the blow by suggesting a change of climate, &c. There is, in addition to this, the psychological effect on the other patients, who discuss with bated breath the departures of those sent away unimproved. '' Dental: Some Hospital Boards are careful with regard to providing adequate dental treatment before arrival, but some are not so careful. Oral sepsis is only too common, and frequently retards patients very considerably. Hospital Board Secretaries who are on the look out for saving their Boards any undue expense should see that their cases for sanatorium treatment have adequate treatment prior to leaving for the sanatorium. " The same applies to nose and throat treatment, some of which should be seen to before patients are sent here. If possible, all patients should be seen not only by a dentist, but also by a nose and throat specialist, who may possibly adopt temporary measures for relief of throat and nose troubles. Even temporary relief helps considerably, and, by reducing the days' stay in the sanatorium, it will reduce the expense to Hospital Boards. " Treatment: This is mainly on sanatorium lines, pure and simple. The adjuncts used are acriflavine for bronchitis, tuberculin ointment and ungents, and Solganol 8., a gold preparation by Schering. The Solganol B. seems to be of definite value in cases which have a good resistance, and in which the sputum is persistently positive. Quite a number of cases who have had injections of Solganol 8., have become negative, despite frequent positive tests prior to commencing the injections. Latterly the course has been spread over a much longer period, injections being given every two or three weeks instead of at weekly intervals, and the results seem better. A report is being prepared, on the results of Solganol 8., and will be sent to the Department within a short period. " Earthquake : A considerable amount of damage was done by the disastrous earthquake of the 3rd February, 1931, both to institutional property and to property belonging to members of the institution staff. Every chimney in the institution either came down at the time or was so badly damaged that it had to be rebuilt at a subsequent date. The Sanatorium was able to help in the relief work, by sending on supplies of drugs, &c., and affording a break in the journey between Napier and Wellington. . . " Kitchen Staff : The male cooks have been replaced by female cooks, and the cuisine has improved considerably. The new staff are also cooking for the Nurses' Home. A very considerable saving has thus been effected, as the result of the reduction of staff and salaries. " Male Staff : I must thank all members of the male staff for their assistance, more especially lately, when the work has been increased by the destruction and upset due to the recent earthquake. "'Nursing Staff: The nursing staff has been most loyal, especially in the trying time since the earthquake, when we had a considerable accession of cot cases—some of them ill —from the Waipukurau and Napier Public Hospitals. Some of them have gone, but there are still quite a few remaining. The number of cot cases has been very large ever since February, and the work of the nursing staff has been very heavy. I have to thank them all, sisters and hospital aids, for their loyal co-operation. . " X-ray Department: This department has proved most useful not only for diagnosis, but also for estimating progress. All cases are screened, and a considerable number photographed. It has also been used for general X-ray work, especially the taking of nasal sinuses ; barium meals and other examinations have also been done. "Red Cross and Vocational Classes : No praise is sufficient for the Red Cross' Society and its branches in and around Waipukurau in its efforts to make life pleasant for the patients. Comforts such as cakes, fruit, &c., are provided, concerts given, and a, supply of cinematograph films is assured. In addition, the Red Cross instructress teaches needle-work, leather-work, basketwork, &c„ and this helps in the ' cure ' by a method which is pleasant and profitable." Otaki Sanatorium, Otaki. " During the year 84 patients were admitted, of these 4 had been away for short periods, necessitating readmission ; 86 were discharged—4 temporarily for hospital treatment or home reasons. " After-history reports of the 86 patients leaving the institution— 16 still under treatment. 19 disease quiescent —doing light work. 33 disease quiescent —doing definite work. 10 dead. 8 no information yet. " In comparison with last year advanced cases have not been so evident, and early cases have been superseded by a more advanced type—3 early cases ; 32 comparatively early ; 35 moderately advanced ; 7 advanced ; 1 abdominal tuberculosis ; 2 arrested, though showing evidence of moderately severe trouble.

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