Opening of the New Wing at the Dunedin Hospital

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume I, Issue 2, 1 April 1908, Page 34

Opening of the New Wing at the Dunedin Hospital

The 10th of March, 1908, was an important date in the nursing world of New Zealand. On that date the new pavilion at the Dunedin Hospital was opened by his Excellency the Governor, and the four wards contained in this block will enable a large number of additional trainees to be taken in the Hospital. Awaiting the commencement of the ceremony all the nurses who could be spared from their wards assembled in the entrance hall. They were grouped picturesquely on the stairs behind the platform — first the sisters in their pale blue uniforms, then the staff nurses in their darker colour, and finally the probationers in their modest grey. The bannisters were festooned with flags, which made a picturesque background for the uniforms. On the corridor above stood the students, all in their white linen coats, who had come accompanied by their friend, or foe, the skeleton, fortunately clothed and capped, as it was hung over the bannisters in full view of the assembled company. The Hall was filled by many interested in the Hospital, both from the point of view of those who had worked to build it up, and who had assisted in its development from its simple commencement many years ago, and of those who had benefited by the care of the doctors and nurses within its walls, either in their own persons, or in those of their near and dear ones. The scene was a bright and animated one. The National Anthem was sung by the nurses and students as soon as their Excellencies and Iyady Plunket arrived, and then the proceedings opened . After several very good speeches, setting forth the accomplished work and future aims of the Hospital, which speeches were lightened by cheering and interruption from the students, who seemed to look upon the whole affair rather in the light of one of their own commemoration days, the wards were declared open and the visitors were escorted through the new building. The nurses are certainly to be envied who are privileged to work in these beautiful wards. Every convenience is ready to the hand. The beds are of a convenient height, and will spare many a backache. The furniture is of the simplest description, and although it will need to be kept spotlessly

clean, still its very nature assists in that being done with the minimum of labour. The only wooden furniture is a cabinet in the middle of the ward and two very nice pot stands with brass bowls, for palms. In one ward is an enamelled iron writing table for the use of the sister in charge, in the other the same design has been carried out in wood, and looks better, as it breaks the monotony of white. There is in each ward a nicely-arranged dressing trolley of enamelled iron, glass, and nickel. Each ward is also provided with white enamelled screens fitted with washing covers in pale green art shades and patterns, which look exceedingly well against the daik red of the lower part of the walls. The floors are polished and partly covered with strips of cork linoleum. The bath rooms and lavatories are all of the latest designs, and fitted with the best sanitary appliances. The floors are of arkalite, and walls tiled with white. There is a charming sun-room off each ward, with comfortable chairs and a table. There is also a little dining-room for convalescent patients, a room containing two beds for special cases, and a small ward with six beds for eye patients, all under the charge of one sister, and worked by the same nurses. The ward kitchen for the whole flat is a charming bright room, with every necessary for serving out meals to the wards and preparing anything required. The copper steam cooking apparatus is really large enough to cook an ordinary dinner, but will chiefly be used for keeping the plates and food warm and for cooking the little special diets which are, and always should be, the nurses' work. There are plenty of small pantries, cupboards, lockers, and linen rooms connected with these wards, so that there will be no excuse for untidiness — everything will have and should keep its own place. In the basement is ample provision in pigeon holes for stowing away the numberless things brought in by Hospital patients, which cannot be allowed in the wards. Their outdoor clothing is also to be kept here until their discharge, and they are provided with fresh washable suits for the term of their stay. The wards and passages are lighted by electricity, and warmed with hot air, and are beautifully lighted and ventilated.