Care of elderly

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33653, 1 October 1974, Page 16

Care of elderly

Sir, —I think as well as requisitioning a few beds in the private hospitals scattered around Christchurch for long-term care the North Canterbury Hospital Board could requisition more beds to prevent long-term care being necessary. There are many, many elderly people deteriorating in their homes because they are unable to get into hospital for assessment. If doctors’ patients could be admitted to the new Nurse Maude Hospital wing —when completed (and which has provision for a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist and perhaps a social worker) — and visited there by the geriatric physician for assessment, the latter would have a team, including the family doctor at his disposal. If more intensive rehabilitation were necessary the patient could be admitted to the geriatric assessment unit. Also a quicker turnover from the latter unit might be accomplished if patients went on to the Nurse Maude Hospital team to complete their treatment.—Yours, etc., E.S.C.