‘Unfortunate breakdown’ in communications

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32665, 22 July 1971, Page 6

‘Unfortunate breakdown’ in communications

(N.Z. Press Association) NEW PLYMOUTH, July 21. That an “unfortunate breakdown” in communications between the family doctor and his patients is adding to the health difficulties of the Maori people was a view expressed by by Dr H. B. Turbott, chairman of the Maori and Polynesian Health Committee, in a talk at the Maori Women’s Welfare League conference at New Plymouth yesterday. “The family doctor falls down when he does not really take time to tell you what is wrong and explain what treatment is required,” he said. He outlined health problems faced by Maori people. The diseases were not peculiar to Maoris, but the incidence of many was greater among them. Balanced eating “You can help yourselves,” he said. “You can help with

education on balanced eating and on not eating too much.”

The Maori Affairs Department had accomplished much towards eliminating environmental disease. Water supplies, toilet facilities, and better housing were available now.

“But there is still a risk of typhoid run by those who continue taking pauas and mussels from polluted waters,” he said. An increasing problem for the Maori people was the incidence of mental disorders. This was affecting many of the younger generation, who were breaking down under the stresses of city life. “Most of the Maori admissions to mental hospitals are in the under-24 group,” Dr Turbott said. “My advice to you is to get anyone showing strain or emotional upset to a mental hospital for observation. “Escape valve” “It seems you had an escape valve in community living. Then, everybody shared all problems,” he said. Dr Turbott advocated reduced family numbers to give mothers more time for the children they had. He asked delegates to persuade mothers not to go out to work until their children were of school age at least.