BEER IN HOSPITAL

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24742, 6 December 1945, Page 6

BEER IN HOSPITAL

Sir,—l was wounded during the last war and like my beer, but I have never before seen such gross excess by a few patients and such slackness by hospital authorities as was the case in Chalmers last year. I hope "Visitor's" letter does not indicate that things are unchanged. Visitors brought in liauor freely. Some of the men returned semidrunk—bad enough, but with wheelchair or battledress laden with bottles to continue the party unchecked Drinking before breakfast and during the morning was apparently allowed because nurses supplied the glasses. Each night on the porches 20 to 40 bottles £,n re v I^T.^* 1 ? tota1 ' more th an 200 bottles. When I complained to a nurse I was told that instructions were to suppress noise and remove empties She was kept busy, claiming a total of 90 for the evening alone. This may be good for the wounds but it is a disgusting business for young girl nurses.— Yours, etc..

MILITARY MEDAL. November 30. 1945.

[The-Medical Superintendent of the Christchurch Public Hospital (Dr. A D. Nelson) had no comment to make when this letter was referred to him.]

..Sir,—As a regular visitor to the soldiers' ward of the Public Hospital I think "Visitor's" letter wss uncalled for. I'm sure he would never have made such a sweeping assertion had he known the sistei (overseas) who is in charge of that ward, and who would never have countenanced overindulgence by any of her patients. She is one for whom the returned soldiers have the greatest regard. Why does "Visitor" object to the returned soldiers occasionally enjoying a glass of cheer?— Yours, etc.. ■ ~; FAIR PLAY December 5. 1945.