OPUNAKE VISIT

Opunake Times, 22 August 1947, Page 3

OPUNAKE VISIT

MOBILE X-RAY EXCELLENT RESPONSE 201 people were X-rayed last Tuesday and Wednesday while the Taranaki Hospital Board’s Mobile X-ray Unit was stationed at Opunake. Commenting on the response, the Mobile X-ray technician, Mr. H. Love, said that it was excellent and compared more than favourably with towns boasting larger populations. Enquiries were still being made after the staff had “closed shop” on Wednesday and it is certain that many more would have availed themselves of the service had it been possible to extend the time.

The value of the mobile service becomes very evident when it is realized that 201 persons were x-rayed iiT approximately 10 working hours and emphasises the tremendous advantage to country residents iti coiihparison to hospital visits for that pur])ose. The unit itself is surprisingly well appointed and fully equipped to meet any emergency. A compact darkroom with complete developing and processing l tanks and equipment, together with ample film storage racks and cupboards is a feature. The X-ray plant is the most up-to-date in New Zealand and the mobile unit itself is the only one of its kind in the Dominion. 200 feet of cable for plugging into the nearest point ensures satisfactory operation in any vicinity while an electric cooker, a zip heater and an ample provision cupboard ensures the unit personnel of ‘home comforts’ when stationed in outback areas. A stainless steel water tank of 32 gallon capacity compete with measuring guage ensures adequate water supply, and a waste water tank is also part of the equipment. A wash basin and cubicle is also included, and a dressing cubicle at the rear of the unit. Ample cupboard space for linen etc and uniforms is also provided, yet withall the interior does not suggest cramping of space, and most residents expressed surprise at the compact yet self-contained layout of the unit. An interior heating panel is another feature, and a necessary one in these cold days. Chamber’s Work Appreciated Mr. H. E. at a Board meeting of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, held on Wednesday evening conveyed Mr. love’s sincere appreciation of the mapner in which the Chamber had sponsored and organised x-ray appointments during the unit’s visit to Opunake.