SOLDIER PATIENTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 28, 13 November 1939, Page 4

SOLDIER PATIENTS.

ACCOMMODATION NOT REQUIRED. IMPROVEMENT IN CAMP HEALTH. Though all preparations had been made at the Ashburton Public Hospital for the reception of front 25 to 30 soldier patients from the Burnham Camp on Saturday and yesterday, none arrived, as the position at the camp had shown improvement. An epidemic of. mild influenza, filled the camp hospital and many other patients were taken to Christchurch, Jmt it was thought that if there were any more they would have to be sent to Ashburton. Referring to the question this morning, the chairman of the Hospital Board (Mr W. G. Galagher) stated that full provision had been made to take the men from Burnham, but fortunately it had been found that it would not be necessary to use tln?t Ashburton Hospital, the position at the camp showing improvement. The Board was, however, ready to accept any patients that might be sent. V.A.D.'s Called On. The preparations here had included the notification of the recently-trained V.A.'D. nurses to hold themselves in readiness to take up duty. Mr Gallagher added that vep:y good work was being done by the hospital in the training of the V.A.D.’s. The trainees from the country had been finding their own accommodation in Ashburton while undergoing their training. The Board decided to issue to the trainees certificates stating that they have completed 60 hours training at tho hospital, and the question of payment to them if they have to be called up for duty is to he referred to the Health Department. It was stated that by the end of this month 40 trainees will have completed the course.