CHRISTCHURCH PUBLIC HOSPITAL

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21991, 15 January 1937, Page 8

CHRISTCHURCH PUBLIC HOSPITAL

■ TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRES6. Sir, —I think this page must be the first one glanced at, as quite soon there was a chorus of disapproval over the pea-shelling letter of "Hospital Visitor" this morning. He seems to regard us patients as some species of untouchables. In Ward 2 there were only three oea-shelling sinners, and my quota was whisked away before the visitors came in. My complaint is that I have not yet been given a helping of those deadly peas—l'll risk em! But we would not be without any ot our visitors, the horror-stricken ones, too Let them all come!— Yours, etc., . PETER TROLOVE. January 14, 1937.

TO THE EDITOR OK THE PRESS. Sir Having read with interest the letter this morning on the above institution, I consider the attitude taken by Dr. Nelson quite justified. As I spent most of the Christmas holidays there as an inmate of No. 2 Ward, I had the pleasure of assisting to shell some peas Therefore I presume that this ward is referred to- It is devoted to men who are in need of careful and correct nursing, rest, and supervision, old men and nervous cases, but some of them are able to get about a little during the day, and are pleased to help the busy nurses, to pass the time away. The most catching disease appears to be old age, and although some may be near second childhood, I do not think infantile paralysis will become prevalent, owing to the very excellent condition in which everything is maintained and managed there. It is a home away from home, and I felt quite sorry to leave a place where lamb and green peas were on the menu for those who were able to appreciate a little Christmas cheer, offered by cheerful and happy-looking attendants. It might be different in other wards; but we can rest assured that every possible precaution is taken by those in charge, and visitors should make more enquiries before finding such mares' nests. —Yours, etc., E.A.L. January 14, 1937.

TO TIIE EDITOR OF THE PHKbS. Sir, —That, you referred my letter to the medical superintendent of the North Canterbury Public Hospital was to be expected; and I was fully p"re-; parsd for his reply. The said reply, which said nothing, said more than a volume.—Yours, etc., HOSPITAL VISITOR. January 14, 1937.