CHILD CRIPPLES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23124, 24 August 1938, Page 17

CHILD CRIPPLES

AVILSON HOME AVOBK ANNIVERSARY ON SATURDAY HYDRO-THERAPY DEPARTMENT COMPLETION OF FACILITIES AYith tlio construction of the large therapeutic department completed and the plant in the course oi" installation, the, first anniversary of the opening of the Wilson Home for Crippled Children, Takapuna, next Saturday will almost coincide with the. inauguration of facilities lor specialist treatment which are unrivalled in the Dominion. A public ceremony is to be held at the home on Saturday afternoon, when the Auckland branch of the Crippled Children's Society will present a cheque for £6OO to the Auckland Hospital Board as its contribution to the cost of erecting a sun verandah for the patients. Since the home was opened on August 28 last year, 62 children have been admitted as patients, and, of the 28 who have since been discharged, many have shown remarkable progress. There are .3-1 inmates at present receiving treatment, but, when the new extensions are occupied, an extra ten-bed ward will be available, increasing the capacity of the home to *ll. Beauty of Garden Setting

J In its garden setting of beauty and panorama, the homo is unequalled, and its ideal location is regarded as a factor contributing to the rapid recuperation of the children and their response to the methods of treatment. As far as possible, any suggestion of institutional routine is avoided, and careful encouragement and instruction have led to many of the patients overcoming disability and excelling in simple accomplishments. Music and handwork are fostered, and occupational therapy will become of even greater importance when plans- are completed for special training and advisory facilities. Apart from the generous support of the Crippled Children's Society, which has taken a principal part in the development of the institution, the home has received an unusually wide measure of public support. One of the most popular of the recent donations in the eyes of the children consists of over 60 large wall pictures of fairy-tale characters and story-book incidents, which were painted and presented by .Air. Eric Short ridge, of Avoudale. who is now a patient in the Auckland Hospital. Large Water-heating Cylinder

Capable of holding 2000 gallons, the largest copper water-heating cylinder in the Dominion is an integral part of the equipment now being installed in the therapeutic department, its function will be to retain the wa'ter at a uniform temperature for the 20ft. bathing pool and the several smaller baths which are provided to enable the patients to exercise paralysed limbs with the assistance of the cushioning effects of the water. The water will be in constant circulation, a modern filtration plant being employed for its treatment. A large massage room containing ten tables is also provided.

Until inquiries are completed into the practicability of engaging a person trained in occupational therapy, tho Hospital Board will not embark on any scheme of providing expensive equipment for the home. However, full consideration will be given the question when Mr. G. J. Park, honorary secretary of the Auckland branch of the Crippled Children's Society, returns from abroad, where he is investigating the scope and value of occupational therapy. In the meantime, a considerable amount of gymnasium apparatus is being made by the board's staff and will be fitted in the home soon.