TREATING TUBERCULOSIS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18278, 20 December 1922, Page 10

TREATING TUBERCULOSIS.

DISEASE IN THE BONES.

PROPOSED SEASIDE ANNEXE.

The matter of establishing an annexe to the Auckland Public Hospital at the seaside, for the purpose of treating patients suffering from tuberculous disease in the bones and joints, was briefly discussed by the Hospital Board last evening. A letter was received from the medical superintendent, Dr. C. E. Maguire, stating that Dr. Keith Macky, medical officer in charge of the physio-therapeutic department, had drawn his attention to the modern treatment of tuberculous disease of bones and joints in children. These patients occupied beds in the hospital for periods of at least twQ, years. Thi3 was done to the exclusion of more acute cases In Britain and on the Continent there had been instituted a system whereby the child patients were treated in inexpensive buildings situated on the Seashore. It was recognised that open-air treatment, combined with sea bathing, had a wonderful influence in effecting cures. Dr. Maguire suggested that the matter was worthy of the board's consideration. With so many beaches about Auckland, he added, some public-spirited citizen might be moved to present a suitable site to the board. The chairman, Mr. W. Wallace, said that Dr. Macky, who was an enthusiast in his work, had mentioned the matter t'o him, and said he believed he could raise £500 toward establishing an annexe as suggested. The matter was certainly worthy of consideration, though the board had many schemes in hand. There were eight cases of tuberculous disease of the bones in the hospital and most of the patients would be undev treatment for at least two yeavs. There would be a greater hope of successful treatment at. a seaside annexe under more economical conditions than could be established at the main hospital. It was decided to arrange for Dr. Macky to address the board on the subject.