Interview with Alex Barton

Interview with Alex Barton about his experiences as a tuberculosis (TB) patient in the early 1950s. Refers to growing up in Gore, attending university in 1947-1949, and working at the Waipiata Sanatorium as an orderly one summer. Talks about being diagnosed with TB the following Easter, and being admitted to the sanatorium in June when his sister could go with him to work there. Discusses that he chose to go to Waipiata instead of Waikari because of its self contained community, and that he was there for over four years. Describes the pavilion style wards with windows open almost all the time, and the hospital being run very cheaply. Mentions that he got fat on the food provided which included a lot of cream. Comments that the medical superintendent Arthur Kidd had to visit hospitals from Ashburton to Invercargill checking TB patients and former patients, and that he did not delegate responsibilities to his deputy. Refers to being carried on a stretcher to the building with the X-ray machine several times a year. Mentions treatments he had, patients dying, and fear of haemorrhages. Comments on the lack of psychological support for long term patients. Explains how his parents wanted to move him to Cashmere Sanatorium after they had been summoned when it was thought he was dying. Recalls that the Waipiata staff failed to notify Cashmere or to send his records. Tells how he was encouraged to do light duties and mingle with other patients at Cashmere once was walking because he had become withdrawn at Waipiata. Talks about being discharged after a year but having a relapse and needing surgery on both lungs. Reflects on the effects of his experiences on his attitudes and his life, training at Knox Theological College and becoming a hospital chaplain.

Interviewer(s) - Sue McCauley

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-012734

Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s) - printed. 1 Electronic document(s) - transcript. 1 interview(s).

Physical Description: Textual file - Microsoft word

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-4273, OHDL-000905.

Original recordings not available for playback. Surrogate copies will be provided.

Alternative form available: Listening copy OHLC-008458

Both printed and digital versions of the transcript are available