Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, MAY 13th., 1932. HOSPITAL AND NURSES.

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 May 1933, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, MAY 13th., 1932. HOSPITAL AND NURSES.

| IVES of great men—and women —-oft remind ns that each generation has its own opportunities for social service, as even if something original is difficult to start, the good work initiated by earlier generations may be developed from strength to strength. To-morrow, National Hospital Day is to be observed, it being the Sunday nearest to the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the “Lady of the Lamp” in the Crimean War. and the founder, of modern nursing efficiency. Flor-

enee Nightingale is now regarded, as part of the Empire’s history, yet her era is not very far back. Born in 1820, she came of comparatively well-to-do people. It was on October 21, 1854, that moved by the stories of the chaos in the medical and nursing administration of the British Army fighting in the Crimea, where disease and inadequate nursing attention were killing far more Britons than was the Russian enemy, she left England with a staff of 37 nurses, to endeavour to minimise the mortality and the soldiers’ sufferings. Her invaluable services aroused the admiration of all Britain, and on her return to London in 1856, all strove to do her honour. A national testimonial fund was raised, totalling nearly £50,000. Numerous personal gifts were also offered to her, including a jewel from Queen Victoria. Miss Nightingale devoted the money to the founding of a Home for Nurses, since when the profession has never looked back. She lived till 1910, having been one of the first to be granted the newly instituted Order of Merit, in 1907. Such is a very summarised record of the career of one of the noblest among the Empire’s many heroines.

To-morrow, various countries in the Empire will honour her memory. Nothing very spectacular will be attempted in New Zealand, but the Churches have been asked to feature the anniversary in pulpit addresses, and many hospitals are arranging small public functions. The main object is to stimulate public interest in their district hos-i pitals, an aim that cannot be regarded as superfluous. Lip-service pride in hospitals and solicitude for the welfare of patients and staffs is general. Practical demonstrations are less enthusiastically supported. For instance, the Grey River district is being asked to support the fund having for its purpose the erection and equipment of a children’s ward.. The necessity for this is unquestioned, yet there are few signs of a rush to assist, on the part of the general public. The hospital nurses and staffs are trying to collect money, and their efforts should be cordially supported. Memories of Florence Nightingale and the sacrifices she made in response to the appeal of the stricken, soldiers, may, perhaps, cause thoughts of the residents of the district the Grey River Hospital serves, to dwell on to-day’s needs of district children, with a resolve to assist perhaps, resulting. Another thought of the day may be spared for opportune appreciation of the work performed by modern nurses. Their daily routine is arduous as well as responsible, their pay is relatively small, the hours of work many, with holidays few. Yet, as a class, they do much to alleviate the sufferings and add to the comfort of the sick in their temporary charge, and are worthy upholders of Florence Nightingale’s ideals. Nursing proficiency has indeed, surpassed that of the previous century, and this is another proof that the “modern girl” has no need to fear comparison with her forerunners. 4