OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28552, 3 April 1958, Page 2

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Council’s Work For Agecl

The Christchurch A-.'ed People's Welfare Council is to purchase a light van at the cost of about £6OO for the use of occupational therapists, and for the general work of the council. It was essential that transport be provided for the therapists, who were working with many persons who were virtually prisoners in their own homes, said Dr. H. R. Donald, the chairman of the executive and representative of the British Medical Association on the council. “We are a young organisation and a certain amount of can!tai expenditure such as this is necessary and I have no doubt that if an appeal was made to the public for support thc-e would be a ready response. The more I see of the work done by the occupational therapists the more I am imnressed.'' said Dr Donald New Zealand was well ahead in the field of occupational therapy for the aged judging by what he had seen on his recent tour overseas. said Mr G. M. Morgan, reoresentative of the Social Service Council of the Diocese of Christchurch. in moving that the van be purchased. The senior occupational therapist had resigned at the end of January and it had taken six weeks to obtain the services of •m Australian therapist. Miss M Hannaford Dr. Donald said. In the meantime the junior therapist had carried on doing the work which had previously been done bv two persons. She had announced her intention to resign within the next month or so. The sub-committee appointed to go into the question of raising £l5OO from the public to further the work of the occupational therapist during the next 12 months had met twice, said Dr. Donald. Several projects had been discussed and as soon as It was decided which ones would be adopted, the council would be informed.

An approach had been made to the Government for a grant of £lOOO for occupational therapv work and though no reply had been received. Dr. Donald said he felt sure it would be approved.