BUSY ROTORUA

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24131, 25 November 1941, Page 6

BUSY ROTORUA

SANATORIUM PACKED SOCIAL SECURITY CASES DELUGE OF PATIENTS • COSTLY DELAYS INVOLVED Since the introduction of the Social Security benefits Rotorua has experienced one of the busiest periods in its history for this time of the year. So crowded is the sanatorium that, people suffering from rheumatic complaints who are contemplating treatment there should be warned that they must be prepared to wait at least a week for a consultation and considerably longer for treatment.

The sanatorium always has been popular, but never before have so many patients endeavoured to gain entrance. This is stilted to be due entirely to the number of people who are taking advantage of social security benefits. Many who could not previously afford the treatment are now seeking relief, while there are others whose disability did not appear to warrant personal expense a few months ago but who have now decided to obtain treatment under social security. A Bitter Disappointment For those who make the pilgrimage to Rotorua expecting an inexpensive remedy of their ills a bitter disappointment lies in store. After overcoming the first difficulty of obtaining accommodation, they discover that it is between a week and ten days before they are able to be granted a consultation. Even then their are not over, for sometimes it is months before they can commence treatment. In the meantime they are paying from £3 10s a week upward for board, and the illusion of cheap treatment under social security soon vanishes. Many Disgruntled Patients Many are the disgruntled patients who have been forced to wait for weeks while others have returned home lighter in the pocket after a fruitless stay of a few days. All prospective patients have to be examined by Dr. J. I). C. Duncan, Government balneologist at the sanatorium, who is the only doctor appointed by the Government to deal with treatment under social security. Other doctors are not under the social security scheme so far as the baths are concerned. With only one doctor to deal with a rapidly increasing clientele, conditions are almost chaotic. Complaints are numerous, and it was felt in Rotorua that people contemplating a visit involving long travel should be warned of the position to avoid disappointment. "Like Sardines in Baths" "To see the radium baths at the moment would remind you of sardines in a tin," said one authority in Rotorua. "It is impossible to squeeze in another person. If you have sciatica now you just have to put up with the aches and pains. "The position is becoming worse as time goes on. While it now takes from a week to ten days to obtain a consultation and perhaps three months before treatment can be commenced, it will be more like three weeks for a consultation and six months for treatment in a year's time. The baths, staffs and doctors could be trebled and still there would be a waiting list." Shortage of Accommodation November is usually regarded as a quiet, month in Rotorua, as most people are waiting for Christmas, but hotels and boarding houses are now filled almost to capacity. A visitor who arrived at the end of last week was only able to obtain the last available room in one of Rotorua's largest establishments, after inquiries from four other popular houses had failed to produce accommodat ion. Business in Rotorua is exceptionally brisk, for the town has been full of visitors practically throughout the year. In addition to the patients for the baths, the military camp at Arawa Park also has swelled the population. Shops report excellent business, for both visitors and soldiers are notoriously good spenders.