HOSPITAL VISITORS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20482, 6 February 1930, Page 14

HOSPITAL VISITORS.

Sir, —I sincerely hope that the views put forward by "Patient Patient" will not be taken as the general opinion of those who are unfortunate enough to be patients in hospital. I cannot conceive of anyone who knows the meaning of the word "friendship," not looking eagerly forward to visiting day as a relief to the monotony of hospital surroundings. As to "vagrants coming from off the streets and annoying patients," it has not been my experience that any stranger will linger by a bedside where visitors are present. The so-called "vagrants" are usually kindly Christian people who sacrifice their time that they may visit and cheer some lonely patients without friends near enough to visit them. Of course, these "vagrants" will have many times been well assured by grateful sufferers that their kindliness has been appreciated. I hope the Hospital Board will not ba inhuman enough to restrict visitors in any way. Surely out of a. whole week of loneliness and suffering can be permitted six short hours! of social intercourse to help them .'along. ' It is less than that, for it-is <i fact' to be deplored that the ward doors are -riever thrown open until quite 10 minutes'after visiting time, and often I have known of people waiting for over 15. minutes. Is this quite fair ? I know of some public hospitals where visitors are allowed for one hour every afternoon and evening. Jusfc fancy one's friends being able to victimise one twice a day! Sociable Paxiekt.