Training In Occupational Therapy

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28887, 6 May 1959, Page 9

Training In Occupational Therapy

Sir.—l understand that the only training centre in New Zealand for occupational therapy is in Auckland, and *that there is a long waiting list for students. It is recognised more than ever before that this help for hospital patients, handicapped children, and others makes a vast difference to their outlook—perhaps partial or complete recovery. Would it not be possible to have a training centre for this very important aid to health and happiness in the South Island also?—Yours, etc., YOUNG HOPEFUL. May 3, 1959. [The medical superintendent of the Christchurch Hospital (Dr. T. Morton) said it was correct that the only training centre was in Auckland. The creation of another centre in the South Island had been considered, but until recently there had been no waiting list of would-be occupational therapists. The training was an expensive one. Some 30 girls began training each year at Auckland. Some failed to complete the three-year course and a fair percentage married soon after qualification. The case was on a par with the sister profession of physiotherapy, which had its only school at Dunedin. “The South Island gets its full quota of occupational therapists,’’ he said.]