INFANTILE PARALYSIS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 18 November 1937, Page 12

INFANTILE PARALYSIS

Til E ATiM ENT I) lEE NI) EI) SISTER KENNY'S METHOD l United I’i l'mh Associs I ion l!.v Uli.vlilc Tclegrn pli—( ’him rich 11 SYDNEY, 17t 1 1 November, j Defending Sister Elizabeth Kenny's ' method of treating infantile paralysis leases, the Federal Minister of Health, Mr W. M. Hughes, declared: “The j British Medical Association’s criticism jot Sister Kenny’s treatment is uncon- ! vmeing. illogical and not free from ui- ; accuracies." S Mr Hughes pointed out that the i British Medical Association's assertion j that “the only reports on Sister I Kenny s treatment have been unfavour i able” is entirely opposed to the facts ; revealed by the medical committee of 1 the Royal North Shore Hospital. Sydney, where the clinic eases were showing marked improvement. Mr Hughes emphasises that Sister Kenny’s patients have been those whom ordinary conventional methods had not benefited. i The Minister then adds: “Here is a : disease which* the nice leal profession | can neither prevent nor cure, yet it | adopts the amazing altitude that this is not the lime for experimentation l My view is that if Sister Kenny's methods promise—as the results seem to show—better results than eonven- : tional methods, (hey should be adopted { and applied to all eases from the inj ception of the disease.” | "The Sun” newspaper, dealing with Sister Kenny's treatment, cites instances of beneficial result.; achieved at the special clinic established at the j Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, where Sister Kenny’ methods are being tried out. and where six Victorian nurses are receiving special training Sister Kenny’s methods briefly arc: (1) The maintenance of a bright mental outlook in the patient; (2) main- | tenance of the impulses; (3) hydrotherapeutic remedial measures; (4' j maintenance of blood circulation; (5) avoidance of the generally-accepted methods of immobilisation of the limbs. The joints and muscles are given exercise. but not to the point of fatigue, instead of being allowed to remain im- 1 mobile. Sister Kenny aims to instil a spirit of optimism and will to recover, and therefore her nurses are specially selected for their cheerfulness and enthusiasm.