Mental Illness

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28888, 7 May 1959, Page 3

Mental Illness

Sir,—By showing interest in the problem of mental illness, “Parent” is doing something to helpHe might consider joining the Canterbury Association for Mental Health, objects of which include working for improved mental health services, better conditions for the mentally ill, and education in mental hygiene. The association, at present, is listing members willing in twos or threes to entertain and take a continuing interest in small groups of mental patients about ready for discharge or extended leave. It is also seeking homes where board may be available to these patients during rehabilitation. Personally, I would like to see established in Christchurch a widely-based Council for Mental Welfare to help rehabilitate former patients. Such a council could be made eligible for Government subsidy on locally raised funds, and might save thousands of pounds annually by shortening the time in hospital.— Yours, etc.,

DOUGLAS C. McKECHNIE. Geraldine, May 6, 1959.

Sir. —How can we obtain more psychiatrists and nurses? The answer is higher status and higher salaries. Make any job more attractive by more money and better conditions and you will got more men and women to take up any job. The Government will have to be forced to spend more money in this direction. Why grudge a doctor in mental hospitals an extra £3OO a year? There are onlv about 30 doctors all told. Raise their salaries to £lBOO a year. The cost to the country would be £9OOO. double the number of doctors, and this country can well afford it.—Yours, etc., J.C. May 5, 1959.