CONVALESCENT HOME

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 18791, 29 May 1923, Page 2

CONVALESCENT HOME

URGENT NEED FOR WANGANUI. A meeting of those interested in promoting an organisation called the Patients and Prisoners Aid Society was called by the Mayoress, Mrs T. B. Williams, and was held on Friday afternoon, when it was decided to make an appeal for funds for a convalescent home for hospital patients. The organisation was mooted many months ago, but it was decided to postpone its active launching until a more favourable opportunity presented itself. The main work will be in connection with hospital patients when they have reached tho convalescent stage. Mr W. Bruce explained that about a year ago it was decided to go on with the organisation of the Patients’ and Prisoners’ Aid Society, but on account of unemployment and other appeals it was decided to defer a public appeal until conditions were more favourable. It was now thought advisable to go right ahead. It was now proposed to establish a rest house for convalescents, and if that were not possible, it might be possible to start on a smaller scale and to arrange for the accommodation of convalescents in private homes. Matron McKenny, of the hospital, said that there was great need for a convalescent home. Very often the burden of caring for these people fell upon friends, who ojteu could ill afford it. Cases frequently prolonged their stay in the hospital after their medical or nursing treatment was completed fof lack of some convalescent home to go to. She suggested that the home should be under the auspices of the Hospital Board. As a branch of the Board’s activities it could be more economically controlled. When discussing the question of raising of funds, it was suggested that a “day” should be appointed for an effort throughout the hospital district. It was decided to make an appeal for £2OOO or more to be devoted to the founding of a convalescent home. The name of the secretary and treasurer is Mr James Grant, 55 Plymouth Street. It was also decided that the newspapers should be asked to accept and acknowledge donations. Contributions may also be sent to the Union Bank. During the meeting a lady visitor from Southland gave a substantial donation to the fund, thus indicating iji a practical manner her sympathy for so worthy a cause.