RADIO IN HOSPITAL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 27 September 1927, Page 4

RADIO IN HOSPITAL.

PROPOSAL FOiR. HAWER A INSTITUTION. ENDORSED BY PATIENTS. That the proposal to equip the Hawera Hospital with wireless receiving apparatus has met with the hearty approval of the. patients was evidenced oy the sentiments expressed to a “Hawera Star”, reporter during the course of a tour of the institution; yesterday, like patients approached were unanimously of the opinion that the entertainment derived, as a -result of such an installation would greatly assist in relieving the tedium or a lengthy stay „n hospital and would, to some extent, co-operate with the treatment by distracting the attention from their ailments.

'like first patient to whom the proposal was .referred said he had been, an inmate of the hospital for close on a. year -and that only during recent months .had he been able 'to occupy* his attention with reading and writing. At nil times, .and especially during the period in which he had been unable to amuse himself, wireless entertainment would have been most welcome. The suggestion to- provide, the individual patients with separate liead-phones was ,i very good one ias if given effect to it would ai.low patients wlio so desired to enjoy the programmes broadcast without disturbing other sufferers. The monotony of a long stay in a ward, oven with the .reading matter and; other amusements so generously provided, could scarcely be realised but the reporter was assured that under such circumstances l time passed drearily. The provision of wireless would seem do overcome, this to a considerable exLent and would improve the conditions greatly for the patients spending many a weary hour in the institution even of such a modern type as that in Hawera. Another patient who expects to remain in the hospital until Christmas said that some form of entertainment such, -as would be provided by a wireless outfit to relieve the monotony would be generally appreciated. The scheme was a very good one and the speaker hoped that the project would be carried to completion. One patient who was familiar with the advantages of wireless, having a receiving set at his home endorsed the remarks of the others. The variety of entertainment that would be available and the lengthy period of each day upon which programmes were “on the air” would render such an innovation particularly suitable for a hospital -as patients could find much to occupy ;heir .attention during the day and evening. That the proposed installation would be most acceptable tq, all the patients was tlie assertion of one who, while aot confined to- his bed, was restricted in hiis movements on account of a hip injury. He pointed out that to the majority of sick in the institution the time dragged wearily, and that the provision of wireless would improve this and could not but have. a. beneficial efiect on itheir health as they would be considerably brightened land would .lave an opportunity to forget their troubles.

A tittle boy who .seemed almost too young to take a great deal of interest .n the children’s periodical at which be was listlessly glancing, became inhere st-ed at once in tlie suggestion that .ie could listen to music and children's ja.lcs, and although he was unable to verbally express an opinion in regard to- the" proposal, his wistful expression at once removed any doubts that might nave existed to tlie effect that lie could and no use. for headphones if they were provided at his bedside. Among all the patients in tlie hospital, none would seem to be more vone.y than those accommodated in the -•so-kted .shelters. As was expected in view of the previous enthusiastic remarks, both patient© in these circumstances agreed that the provision of wireless would be most acceptable. One who expressed himself as being familiar with receiving outfits .indicated that were he remaining at the institution sufficiently long he would, have endeavoured to install a set for his own Use. The patient® generally gave the impression that while much was done now by the officials of the hospital to make their lot as pleasant as possible in the circumstances., tlie provision of some form of cheering entertainment «nch as would be provided by the use of wire'ess .apparatus would considerably improve the conditions for those unfortunate enough to suffer an, illness which (necessitated their being treated in hospital.