THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: New convalescent hospital ‘first in its kind’ in province

From the News Letter, January 31, 1950
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The importance of convalescent treatment was emphasised by the Minister for Health and Local Government, Dame Debra Parker, on this week in 1950.

As it was on this day that Dame Parker opened the Sir Thomas and Lady Edith Dixon Hospital at Cairndhu in Larne.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The new infirmary was hailed as the first convalescent hospital of its kind in the Province.

Parliament Buildings at StormontParliament Buildings at Stormont
Parliament Buildings at Stormont

All too often, said Dame Parker, the valuable work done by hospital treatment was undone because patients were discharged and had to go straight to their homes at a time when they were still in need of care and attention in “suitable surroundings”.

She added that the surroundings for convalescence should be comfortable and quiet and should have a homely atmosphere, combined with skilled medical and nursing attention. This was something, remarked the minister, which the new Cairndhu hospital could offer patients.

She said: “It [the Sir Thomas and Lady Edith Dixon Hospital] is a perfect example of what was really needed.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Referring to the work the Hospitals Authority and the various hospital management committees observed that medical staff at the hospital were in the experimental stages of developing a “vast new system” which was being designed to “bring medical and dental treatment and hospital service to all who needed it”.

Mr Robert Thompson, chairman of the East Antrim Hospital Management Committee, thanked the minister for opening the new hospital, he went on to reveal plans to open a further hospital at Carrickfergus.

Related topics: