MASONIC HOSPITAL

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 August 1933, Page 10

MASONIC HOSPITAL

A MODEL INSTITUTION LONDON, July 6. When the King, who will be accompanied by the Queen, opens the new Freemasons’ Hospital next Wednesday, he will inspect what is believed to be the most up-to-date institution of the kind in Europe. On a site of six acres overlooking Ravenscourt Park—a municipal open space secured against development—the building has been erected and equipped at a most of £335,000. There are still the finishing touches to be put on, but all should be ready by September for the 200 patients which the hospital can comfortably accommodate.

At present that number could be considerably increased.

If tile new hospital proves to be the success which it promises the secret will be found in the fact that there has been perfect harmony between architects, physicians and surgeons. Here is no question of mass healing in great wards with two, or even four rows of beds. The designers have realised how much the psychological factor counts in the recovery of the patient. The largest wards contain only four beds; others have two or one. The idea is that immediately after an operation, or during a critical peiod, a patient is best alone, but with recovery, the herd instinct, strong in man, is likely to exert itself, and there is the desire for company.

Throughout the mental outlook of the patient has been borne in mind. The aim has ever been to secure pleas- ■ ant surroundings, plenty of light and air, good food, and as much sunshine ' as possible. The whole building is gay in its decorations of pale green, and vast verandahs with southern aspect provide spaces upon which beds may be wheeled. Glass screens, where necessary, will protect, the patients from chill winds. NO SOUND OF BELLS Bells, so disturbing to the sufferer tying to sleep, have been banished and lights substituted, and over the ward door there is a tell-tale light so that the patient may know that the nurse really is being called. There is to be a resident staff which will carry on the high traditions earned in the now inadequate hospital in Fulham-road. In time it is hoped there will be a school where nurses will be specially trained. And there is to be a. chapel, too, not necessarily consecrated to the sole use of the Church of England, for Masonry embraces every creed. The organising committee sought to find a site with tile permanent open space around, near the city but away from its turmoil, and to erect thereon a hospital second to none. They appear to have succeeded even beyond their expectations. A basic charge of throe guineas a week will be paid by the patient, but those whose means will not permit of this will be assisted. Accommodation will tie provided for men, women and children.