Meals On Wheels

The retirement of Miss Beth Overend as convenor of the "Meals on Wheels" project in Gisborne prompted our photographer to record some facets of this remarkable enterprise. A combination Red Cross and Hospital effort, "Meals on Wheels" now delivers about 50 meals a day to elderly and disabled folk in Gisborne. The hospital cooks the meals, and Red Cross, with a roster of 130 volunteers, delivers them to the recipients, who in turn make nominal payment to their district nurse.

Many people regard this work as a kind of charity for old folk, some of whom are well able to afford much more than the nominal charge made. But the real purpose behind "Meals on Wheels" is to keep elderly people out of hospital. Malnutrition has always been a major symptom of the aged admitted to hospital. Since the scheme has made itself felt, this trend has begun to disappear.

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Sister Allen, head district nurse, and Mrs S. Gaddum carry meals to the car for distribution

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Sister Ritchie, diet sister at the hospital, consults a map with Mrs C. J. Lloyd.

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Retiring overseer Miss Overend, her successor, Mrs Thelma Betteridge, and Red Cross president Mrs Nancye Bramwell at work on administration.

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Mrs Blackwell, of the Hospital staff, at work in the kitchen.

The meals, prepared under expert supervision, are cooked in the kitchen of the Nurses' Home, where the Red Cross volunteers, working on a roster system, assemble each day with their cars and receive delivery instructions. The volunteers provide their own petrol.

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Leaving the kitchen are Mrs Chamberlain (right) and her daughter-in-law. Between them is Miss June Harden of the hospital staff.

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"Photo News" followed up Miss M. Spence (at door of car) and Mrs O'Meara as they set out on their round. Here they are loading meals into the car.

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One of their calls was to the oldest patient receiving the service, Mrs Sumpter, a widow in her nineties, living in Grafton Road. Here the two volunteers make a welcome appearance at the gate.

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Mrs Sumpter, confined to her bed, receives the specially-prepared meal, piping hot and nourishing.