PLUNKET SOCIETY

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27089, 11 July 1953, Page 2

PLUNKET SOCIETY

CHRISTCHURCH BRANCH’S ANNUAL REPORT

The forty-sixth report of the Christchurch branch of the Plunket Society, to be presented at the annual meeting next week, says that because of the care and responsibility of a large hospital branch and its ever-growing expenses, voluntary workers have had to make strenuous efforts to try to meet the increase in expenditure.

The branch is showing a considerable deficit, but members look boldly ahead to a more successful financial year, it adds.

Last year the branch received a grant from the Government of £941, whereas this year nothing was received apart from the Government subsidy on the nurses’ salaries and uniform allowances.

The branch is not without hope for the future if mothers who receive benefits would recognise more responsibility by becoming registered members and thus assisting to solve the financial worries,” says the report. Special efforts to raise money included the annual cabaret, the Violet Day street appeal, mannequin parade, jumble sales and a stall in Cathedral square.

. An increase in the amount of work in all departments is recorded in the charge sister's report. This year 89.99 per cent, of the babies born in the area came under Plunket supervision. The nurses are disturbed to note that the proportion of babies breast fed when first seen by the nurse continued to drop. Pre-school clinics were well attended, and the number of children under supervision between the ages of 18 months and five years increased. Attendances at mothercraft classes were excellent, and many fathers attended special evening classes. The rudiments of mothercraft were taught to more than 150 post-primary school girls. Baby clinics for sixth-year medical students commenced in September, and mothers co-operated by bringing their babies regularly.

Karitane Hospital The Karitane Hospital report records a consistently busy year, and mothercraft and general beds have been full most of the time. Ninetyfive premature babies were admitted, one just under 21b and three under 31b. Of babies discharged from the mothercraft section, 89 were fully breast fed, 70 were complemented, and 49 were artificially fed. With the formation of two more mothers’ clubs the total is now 24 in the Christchurch area, with a combined membership of more than 2000. The sum of £lOO was given by the combined clubs to paint and upholster the Plunket Mobile Unit. Members had also helped with the street appeal and gave generously towards the branch’s needs. •