Reefton Hospital

Press, 26 September 1988, Page 20

Reefton Hospital

Sir, —For four years I have been engaged in a research project recording all aspects of the lives of women in Reef ton before 1900. It has become readily apparent the importance the hospital in that area played in their families’ lives. Although the women did not use the hospital on a regular basis for maternity purposes, it was there when childbirth complications set in, and when limbs were broken. Husbands sons, however,

were regular patients, largely because of their high-risk occupations in the mines. Patients of all ages respond more quickly when they are surrounded by members of their own families. Why do hospital boards spend thousands of dollars enabling parents and spouses to accompany patients to other parts of the country and overseas for specialist attention? The Reefton Hospital already possesses all that is conducive to good patient care. Why dismantle all that is caring and compassionate for the sake of dollars? Reefton Hospital and its associated staff and doctors has served the community well since the early 1870 s. What right has the West Coast Hospital Board to take away this essential service?—Yours, etc., JANE DAVIES. September 22,1988.