Nappy Valley’s Need

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31420, 13 July 1967, Page 20

Nappy Valley’s Need

(N.Z. Press Association)

TAURANGA, July 12.

The Walnulomata area, often termed “Nappy Valley” because of its increasing population, may get a cottage hospital if representations made by the Mauri Women’s Welfare League to the Minister of Health (Mr McKay) bear fruit

At the annual conference of the league, being held, in Tauranga this week, it was decided today to advise the Minister that the Maori women in Walnulomata are concerned about the increasing population in

the town and consider that there la a real need for the provision of a cottage hospital. The remit, which was passed unanimously, was put forward by the Walnulomata branch, and one of their delegates, Mrs C. Paea, outlined conditions in the area. She said there was no hospital, no maternity annex, no resident obstetrician and no ambulance.

“The four medical practitioners handle double the number of patients each, set down by medical standards, and confinements always present a problem,” Mrs Paea said.

“The doeton cannot handle maternity eases or conduct ante-natal care and mothen have to go to the Hutt Hospital to have their babies delivered. Some even have them at home.”

Mn Paea said the road to the hospital, although recently improved, wan hazardous. Land was available for a hospital to be built, but nothing had been done. A South Auckland delegate said she had great sympathy for the women of the area.

“We can’t expect the women of Walnulomata to take the pill for too long,” she added.