Supplement to 53rd report / Queen Victoria Cottage Hospital..

  • Queen Victoria Cottage Hospital (East Grinstead, England)
Date:
1942
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Supplement to 53rd report / Queen Victoria Cottage Hospital.. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    8/12 page 6
    generosity, was formally opened by Mrs. S. F. Waterson on June 29th, 1942. Since that time it has run smoothly under the direction of Miss Stevenson. The Occupational-Therapy Department, formerly run by Miss Pick, has, however, been re-organised. Experience has shown that occupational- therapy of the ordinarily recognised type does not, from the remedial and occupational point of view, give the benefit which it is sought to obtain. Therefore, with the approval of the Ministry of Aircraft Production and the Ministry of Labour, and the notable help of Major George Reid, of the firm of Messrs. Reid & Sigrist, a new experiment in hospital life has been instituted. A fully equipped department for the production of aircraft instruments has been set up. This department is run on thoroughly up-to-date lines, equipped with the finest machinery so that precision assembly work can be undertaken. There are many features of this scheme which are still under consideration, but it is safe to say already that we have initiated a scheme which has been spontaneously successful from its inception and which promises to mark a revolutionary step in hospital life. We believe this to be the first thing of its kind in England, and much is expected from it. For those who are particu¬ larly adapted to the handicraft type of occupational therapy Mrs. Mappin and Miss Baird continue to fill the need, both inside and outside the Wards. WELFARE. The Welfare Committee has been strengthened by the addition of Mr. Edward Blount and Mr. Kelsey Fry, otherwise its constitution remains unaltered. It has met regularly every month, and the past year has seen the results of much of its activities. It has been sufficiently far-seeing to institute experiments in hospital welfare, to discard quickly those which bear poor fruit and to promote others of a more promising nature. Individual members have continued their excellent work. The Committee as a whole has been co-ordinated and its scope widened, so that the appointment of a full-time Hon. Secretary in Mrs. Beddington Behrens has become necessary. Her work grows more onerous every day and it is difficult to know how we could now do without her. Many of the difficulties which formerly existed have been solved by dividing the activities of the Committee into three departments, each under the control of an experienced member, with the Secretary acting as a co-ordinator. Thus, Mrs. J. A. Dewar controls the whole question, of comforts to patients and arranges personality talks, Mrs. Mappin acts in a similar capacity in connection with the occupational-therapy work, and Mrs. F. H. Fraser deals with amusements and recreations. All educational matters have been taken over by Fl./Lt. Wheeler, R.A.F. Educational Officer stationed at Gatwick, and the Air Ministry have agreed to the establishment of a resident N.C.O. Welfare Officer, Fl./Sgt. Blacksell, who has already proved a great asset in this field. Comforts Department. This is now reorganised and controlled by Mrs. Dewar and is running very smoothly. On entry into Hospital each patient receives a printed card con¬ taining the necessary information as to what comforts, recreations and amusements are available and how these may be obtained. Careful manage¬ ment of all donated material will thus ensure that stocks are well maintained and fairly distributed. We have to thank the Red Cross and St. John War Organisation, the R.A.F. Comforts Fund, the Canadian and South African Red Cross, the Navy League, the U.S. Red Cross Society, Lady Ivelmsley’s Daily Sketch Fund, the Hon. Mrs. Leslie Damage’s Fund, Frances Day’s Penny Fund, Mrs. Matthews’ Kit Replacement Fund, and the British Council for generous supplies of all kinds. Mrs. Dewar’s Mobile Shop remains a popular feature. Among the very numerous donations and gifts received, special thanks are due to Mrs. S. F. Waterson. of South Africa, whose unfailing interest in the Hospital has brought contributions from all parts of South Afiica. We wish to put on record our great loss at her departure for South Africa, but, fortunately, her interest remains and already we have had concrete
    No text description is available for this image
    No text description is available for this image
    No text description is available for this image