BEACH REST HOME

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 136, 6 December 1944, Page 7

BEACH REST HOME

PROJECT FOR NURSES

In 1942, when the danger of Japanese attack made black-out precautions necessary, the nurses in the Wellington Hospital worked and lived in the evenings in depressing conditions, with screened windows and blue lights in the corridors; and an occasional escape to the seaside was more than welcome. The offer of a cottage for weekend use by the nurses at that time suggested that a permanent home of the kind should be obtained, and the idea was taken up enthusiastically. How- . ever, there were so many other matters with higher claims that nothing could be done at the time. With the improved outlook in the following year, it was possible to launch th.c project. When the nurses were able in May, 1943, to buy their scarlet uniform cardigans at wholesale prices, a voluntary contribution of 6d extra was given, bringing in £8. From a gift of lavender bags were made and sold, for a total of £16. By the end of the first year, the sale of small articles had produced £185, and concerts and competitions brought the total to '£355. The R.S.A. organised a competition which made £300, and' the fluid is now nearly £800. A registered association has been formed to deal with the scheme, and it has been promised a large sum of money by the Manufacturers' Association, windows and doors by Mr. J. W. Andrews, Mayor of Lower Hutt, and architectural service by Mr. Haughton, the Hospital Board's architect. The executive of the association comprises members of the Hospital Board and presidents of many prominent societies, with Sir Charles Norwood as president. The executive has decided to raise £5000, and to enlarge on the original project by building a house for convalescent nurses who may either have too short sick leave to reach their homes, or would benefit by a prolonged period of rest before going to their homes. The beach cottage itself will •"* be apart from the main building, and will be available for part of the nurses' annual leave arid for weekends, and will; have a large d ay-room, a kitcHenette, and a shower. Eastbourne is regarded as the most favoured location i or the establishment.