Hospital accommodation for mothers of young patients

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33665, 15 October 1974, Page 6

Hospital accommodation for mothers of young patients

(New Zealand Press Association) HAMILTON, October 11. As part of a “more liberal and rational concept of hospital visiting for young children,” introduced by the Health Department, mothers of young patients in hospitals may soon be provided with a bed for the night at the hospital.

In a letter to all hospitals the department asks all hospital boards to follow the aims of a report on the welfare of children in hospitals. The aims are: The encouragement of unrestricted visiting. Parents should be allowed into the ward at any reasonable hour of the day subject to restrictions laid down by the doctor, or sister in charge. Provision of accommodation to enable mothers of children under five to stay with them and help in their care. The promotion of public understanding of the importance of preventing the separation of mother and child during hospital stays. The review of admission procedures to make a child’s entry to hospital as easy and pleasant as possible.

The admittance of children; only to paediatric beds.l The report says that! the practice of treating children in adult wards i should be discouraged 1 except for highly; i specialised treatment. ; Reducing stress for the’ young child by allowing,: him to have some per-) _ sona l belongings and I:

having one person to care for him during his stay. The ideal was to provide a. domicilary service and so. where possible, prevent the need for young children to ;be admitted to hospital. The circular was presented ' yesterday to the Waikato i Hospital Board’s meeting, which welcomed the proposals.