ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

Southland Times, Issue 22202, 20 December 1933, Page 9

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

NURSING DIVISION. THE YEAR’S WORK. A year of valuable and successful work is recorded in the annual report of the St. John Ambulance Nursing Division. “The year was a memorable one; for on May 9 the first meeting was held in the new rooms. As the numbers of the Nursing Division grew, the old building outlived its usefulness, and now the convenience of a commodious, wellventilated building greatly facilitates our work—especially the practical part.” the report states. “We wish, first of all, to express our sympathy with members who have this year suffered bereavements —Mrs Hide, Miss Molly Gray, and Miss Williamson. “Steady advance in all branches of , ambulance work has been made this year. Our roll of members now numbers 50. Assistance has been given with the collections on Social Helpers’ Day and on Poppy Day. The scope of the activities of ambulance sisters may be gathered from the fact that 10 cases of first aid were attended on public duty, also 17 cases of first aid (not public duty), 28 cases of private nursing were done in the home, and the attendances at hospital number 53. The examination results also encourage us to believe that our strength will be maintained and yet increased in the future. In first aid 15 passed, in advanced aid one, in home nursing 10 sat and 10 passed Twenty-four efficient members took re-examination and 24 passed. Ten medallions and seven pendants were gained. Nevertheless, we think there are others to whom ambulance work must appeal. If they would join they would not only find pleasure in it, but would also gain much useful knowledge. The lectures we are privileged to hear are most interesting and we have, each year, most instructive demonstrations.

“Our thanks are due to Matrons Wameke and Sparks, Sisters Wilson and Burnett. Miss Blackie, Drs A. T. McCaw, H. R. Gibson, C. C. Anderson, Messrs F. C. Barham, J. Bemrose, Mrs Miller the Mayoress, Mrs A. T. McCaw, Mrs Hide, Mrs L. B. McKenzie and the Press. Again this year members have been permitted to attend the public hospital on outpatients’ day to assist with dressings and to help in the wards. We would express our sincere thanks to the hospital and staff for this valuable means of gaining a more practical knowledge of nursing. Without the help of a divisional surgeon, a division could not progress. We are deeply grateful to Dr McCaw for his continued assistance. We take this opportunity of expressing our thanks to him for the excellent, up-to-date knowledge he has imparted to us so willingly during the year, and for the extra tuition he has voluntarily given those who thought of re-examin-ation with dread. We appreciate his consideration and helpfulness. “No public body can expect to advance without the loyal co-operation of every member. It is only as one and all unite to uphold the ideals of the St. John Ambulance and to support the lady superintendent and her officers in their duties that the work will be harmoniously and efficiently carried out. As we greet each other with the season’s greetings and turn towards the New Year 1934 as a Nursing Division one year older, we echo in Browning’s words a hope for the future—'Grow old along with me, The best is yet to be’.”