INVALIDED SOLDIERS

Greymouth Evening Star, 2 December 1940, Page 2

INVALIDED SOLDIERS

REHABILITATION PROVISION [per press association.] WELLINGTON, December 2. A statement concerning the Government’s treatment of soldiers invalided from overseas was made today by Mr. Jones. Full provision has been made for the treatment and rehabilitation of men when they return, including medical boarding classification treatment where necessary, pay oi’ pension while ih hospital, provision of mufti, clothing allowance, travelling warrants, etc. Unless otherwise determined by the Adjutant-General, no soldier returned to New Zealand on account of physical unfitness, due to wounds or sickness, is to be discharged from the army, until provision is made for him under one of the following headings: Granted war pension, replaced in former civilian occupation or suitable employment, granted monetary benefit by the Social Security Department, pending his return to civil occupation. Mr. Jones said the Government would meet to the full the obligations to the men who had suffered during service to the country, in accordance with the promises given when the different echelons left New Zealand. Immediately after disembarkation, all soldiers invalided will be medically boarded and classified: firstly, requiring in-patient treatment at hospital or convalescent home. Secondly, requiring out-patient treatment. Thirdly, convalescent, not requiring treatment. Those classified as in-pat-ients and unfit to travel, and those requiring special treatment, obtainable only at the largei’ hospitals, will be sent to hospital at the port of disembarkation. Those in the latter category will be transferred within 48 hours to the hospital nearest their homes, at which treatment is available. In all other cases, the soldier will, as far as possible, be sent to the hospital nearest his home. Out-patients and convalescents will usually be granted one week’s sick leave, and dispatched to their homes. During this time, they will be medically boarded again if necessary. Hospital and convalescent home treatment for in-patients, and all treatment recommended for put-patients, will be provided free by the State. Where required, the best special institution treatment will be given. Dental attention and artificial limbs will be provided as necessary. Full military pay and allotments will be continued while the sdldiers are in hospital until they are placed on the pension. Invaliding Boards will review as necessary, the position of soldiers under treatment, making recommendations to further treatment, sick leave, return to duty, or discharge. When a soldier is recommended for discharge, application forms will be completed at the Medical Board, and forwarded to the War Pensions Board, or Social Security Department. Other provisions include three weeks’ privilege leave on full pay for soldiers passed for further duty, and those recommended for discharge, . also a month’s free railway pass, a grant of £7/10/- to men discharged to provide themselves with civilian clothing, free travel warrants for men proceeding to their homes on disembarkation or termination of hospital treatment, also a free return railway ticket for wife, parents, oi' next of kin of a soldier in hospital, who has been unable to return home. ’- . _