WAIKATO HOSPITAL

Waikato Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 2644, 6 July 1926, Page 5

WAIKATO HOSPITAL

A GLIMPSE FROM THE INSn>E. A SPLENDID,INSTITUTION. -.With the progress of"time our public hospitab:, in common with all similar institutions, have undergone a marvellous change. Some of the best brains in the world have been devoted for years to .medical science, with +'iq result, that every year sees wonderful developments in the treatment of suffering humanity, thus mitigating the ravages of disease, and reducing the mortality caused by accidents, etc. The public hospitals of New Zealand to-day compare favourably, we are told, with those of any part of the world.

In the Waikato Hospital, delightfully situated on the high slopes of South Hamilton, and commanding an entrancing view, we have an institution of which the entire district served —extending from Taumarunui on the south to Mercer on the north, and from «.■''■■•" Raglan to Rotorua in the other direction—has good reason to be proud, for the institution is recognised as one of the most efficiently staffed and managed in the whole Dominion.

Seeing that the great bulk of the people have rather hazy ideas of the scope and actual work of this splendid hospital, a few remarks by one who recently gained his knowledge from actual experience as a hospital patient for the space of about three weeks, may prove of interest. \ A Huge Machine. One of the facts that first impressed the writer was the excellent discipline and organisation. Everything works ,to time-table with almost unfailing regularity and smoothness—clear proofs of efficient administration and good management. The hospital, with all its ramifications, is really like a, huge machine, every working with clocklike regularity. Nothing is left to chance. For instance, when a new patient is admitted, he or she, as the case may be, is immediately thoroughly examined, and put under observation. If thought advisable, pathological tests are made, or the patient submitted to X-ray examination, while the services of specialists in various diseases arc available if required. Modern Surgery. . Surgery to-day is little short of marvellous. The number of operations performed in our' hospital is enormous, many .hundreds, including a great many requiring the most exacting skill and treatment, being carried out in the Waikato Hospital every year. Recently the opinion was expressed publicly that surgical operations were resorted to too frequently in New Zealand, and that some of these cases would- give better results if treated medically. Possibly there is a modicum of truth in the statement. Be, that as it may, there can be no doubt that the wonders of modern surgery arc continually being used for the, benefit of suffering humanity, and that by this means hundreds of men, women and children are being "mended,',', and given new leases of life. The Waikato Hospital has earned for itself an enviable reputation in this respect. The superintendent medical officer, Dr Gower, has fast risen to the forefront of his profession, and aided' by a fine staff of assistants and a particularly efficient and devoted hospital matron and nursing staff, the Waikato Hospital is regularly, in a quiet, unostentatious way, doing a noble work that is too often not fully, recognised by the public. Well Cared For.

A few brief comments as to the treatment of patients: One sometimes hears remarks passed that would lead us to suppose that patients in public hospitals were given scant consideration—that the nursing staff is inclined to callousness, that the hospital wards are depressing, cheerless places, and that the food is not altogether appetising, and' sometimes insufficient. The writer would ask anyone hearing such adverse criticism to refrain from holding judgment unless such remarks arc thoroughly substantiated. His i experience served to show that such comments arc grossly exaggerated, if not altogether uncalled for; indeed, considering the necessity for carefulness and strict discipline in a huge institution of this kind, the wonder is that the management is so excellent, and that patients, have so much kindness and consideration shown them in every way. A hospital ward, the writer found, is a singularly cheerful and bright spot. Despite the suffering on every hand, most of the patients #eom to make light of their ailments, and aided by the bright surroundings and the kindly ministrations of the nurses, a happy, optimistic feeling seems to pervade the atmosphere. As to the nurses, one who termed them "ministering angels" was not guilty by any means of hpycrbole. The many hundrers of patients who yearly pas's through this institution will ever remember with gratitude the noble, selfsacrificing work of the hospital nurses, all of whom perform their arduous and exacting labour of love with that devotion, skill, patience and loving kindness that has made the profession one of the noblest in the world. The nurses arc hard-worked; they are con-

tiriually having to deal with trying, occasionally cantankerous and unreasonable sick people, yet they come through the ordeal with flying colours, arid *aro constantly earning the grateful thanks of those to whom they minister.

• The food given to patients is good, wholesome and nourishing, well cooked, and nicely served. Those who complain on this heading have little cause so tw do, but, of course, it is impossible to please everybody, especially where so many have to be dieted. The 'Waikato Hospital comprises some seven wards, each accommodating approximately thirty patients. It will thus be seen that, together with the Old People's Home", the institution is of huge proportions. Even now it does not adequately meet requirements and tenders are being called for extensive additions, which will cost a very considerable sum.

Whatever fears may be entertained regarding the , continually increasing cost of hospital maintenance, residents of the Waikato hospital district "may rest satisfied that the management of the central hospital at Hamilton is certainly a credit to all concerned, and the institution is doing a magnificent work that is well worth making some little sacrifice to secure.