End of the Chalmers wards recalls 1915 benefactor

Press, 28 March 1981, Page 16

End of the Chalmers wards recalls 1915 benefactor

By

CAROLINE CARTWRIGHT

) An eerie quiet has desii cended on the Chalmers • 'Wards at Christchurch Hospii tai. The patients have been i moved oiit, .and many a nurse, doctor, and adminis--1 trator may breathe a sigh of f relief as another chapter in i the saga of orthopaedic and ; medical care unfolds. Before this now, much- ; maligned building is demol- ; ished, it is interesting to look ’ back 65 years to its planning and establishment in the light of health care problems and the hospital services of that time.

Miss Jane Chalmers, of Ashburton, laid the foundation stone on February 23, 1916, and was presented with the silver trowel. The occasion was remarkable: the country was at war, yet leading dignatories of the city and surrounding boroughs gathered to witness the continuing war against disease and sickness. Mr G. W. Russell expressed the gratitude of the Government: Mr.F. Korrell, chairman of the Hospital Board, stated that such a noble gift would be a lasting memorial to the Chalmers family, the whole cost being borne by Miss Chalmers. The gift of 8000 pounds qualified for a 24-shilling Government subsidy. Recently, comments on today’s high hospital occupancy rate have been made, and arranged . admissions

may have to be reduced, but in those days admission to hospital was also difficult. It was costly,- as the patient was required to pay for the service. There was a real shortage of beds. The new three-storey building with all the necessary appurtenances would mark, in a tangible way, the end of a long search to provide for the elderly and the poor — the destitute — who needed hospital nursing. Those present at the function were told that the building would be the most modern ward block in the southern hemisphere — and so it was, with its side rooms, bathrooms, and service areas, with an emphasis on well-lit balconies-away from the rush and bustle of the ward routine. It was planned on the “Nightingale” design (now making a comeback in ward planning and design) where patients were always under the watchful eye of the sister and nurses. The building’s foundations were, of necessity, very high off the ground as medical thought of the time believed infection came from the ground vapours, the mfasma. Many Christchurch citizens will recall the neat trim line of beds with crisp white counterpanes, folded red blankets, and a visitor’s chair precisely placed.

Miss Chalmers, orphaned when only a few weeks old, was cared for by her Scottish grandmother arid two uncles at “Holmwood,” Wakanui, between Ashburton and the sea. Her two bachelor uncles, John and Peter, farmed the fertile soil and were in turn looked after by Miss Chalmers until their deaths in 1894 and 1901. From the inheritance, she chose, in 1915, to give as a memorial to her uncles, wards which would care for the chronically ill and poor patients of the city and Ashburton particularly. The Ashburton Hospital Board received a gift to establish a women's ward at the same time. • Miss Chalmers had known the love, care, and security of a family, and her compassion set an example of unselfish giving that was strangely uncommon as far as New Zealand hospitals were - concerned. Today’s project teams, planning and building, seeking approvals, often wait years to have their work completed. Is it not incredible that only 17 months af ter the laying of the foundation stone, on July -25, 1917, Miss Chalmers again made the trip to Christchurch, this .time to open “The Chalmers Memorial Wards?” The occasion was spectac-

ular. From the tower of the new and handsome building flags and bunting floated, the intricate and balanced brick patterning clearly visible in the afternoon light. A special dais was erected and a galaxy of local government representatives were present. A gold key, suitably inscribed, was presented to Miss Chalmers to open the ward door.

Dr Walter Fox, Medical Superintendent,’reported that

“nearly every day an old man or woman was to be seen outside the gates and they all said they were going to be the first inmates, Miss Chalmers had told them so herself . . .”

Miss Chalmers died in 1936 and her will directed 10,000 pounds be invested and the interest used for the maintenance of the Chalmers Wards. At present, the North Canterbury Hospital Board receives about $ll,OOO per

annum from the bequest. This fine building will be demolished late this year, but the people who have been cared for, or worked within its environs will recall the high hopes, endeavours, and dedication that inspired those concerned with health care and people 65 years ago.

The trust fund will continue to yield an income, and through this the generosity of the Chalmers family will be remembered.