Christchurch Hospital

Press, 14 May 1979, Page 16

Christchurch Hospital

Sir, — From the patient’s point of view I wish to express my disgust that, as a visitor, Professor Zeppa should make purely destructive criticism of our hospital system. Obviously a layman cannot usefully argue with a professional, but there are some areas in which the lay opinion has a place. First', the old orthopaedic wards with their obsolete equipment remain an oasis in the desert of suffering borne by so many folk. Maybe there is risk of cross infection etc. etc. but the bliss of relief from acute pain after surgery surely outweighs the fear of any risk. Moreover, the unremitting care given under difficult working conditions reflects immense credit on staff at all levels. That a visitor should give publicly, without consultation with board officials, such a savage criticism is deplorable. — Yours, etc. (Mrs) M. D. COLEY. May 10, 1979. Sir, — I should like to add my voice to that of M. G. Creffield (May 12) protesting about, conditions in Christchurch Hospital. “A strenuous public outcry” is certainly needed. Let anyone possessing a grain of compassion enter a ward in Chalmers Block as I did on a recent wet afternoon and decide whether such an environment could not, in effect —physical ailment apart — cause deep depression or even death, as stated by Professor Zeppa. Instead of being affronted by this visitor’s criticism, those responsible for the unfortunate patients’ welfare, psychological as well as physical, should, in the light of it take a new clear-eyed look at what must appal any visitor, stranger or otherwise, and do something about it, urgently. — Yours, etc.,

M. Y. DUNCAN. May 12, 1979.