Title: New Zealand Medical Services in Middle East and Italy

Author: Stout, T. Duncan M.

Publication details: Historical Publications Branch, 1956, Wellington

Part of: The Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939–1945

This text is the subject of: ‘Something of Them Is Here Recorded’: Official History in New Zealand

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Work of the Convalescent Depot

The site at San Spirito proved an excellent one during the summer months. Swimming and boating provided suitable recreation. The average bed state in July was 478 and in August 517. During July there were only 74 battle casualties, but in August 286 cases were admitted. In July the medical cases predominated, forming 47 per cent of the total, whereas the surgical provided 22 per cent, the orthopaedic 20 per cent, and skin cases 11 per cent.

In August the corresponding figures were medical 36 ½ per cent, surgical 42 per cent, orthopaedic 14 ½ per cent, and skin cases 7 per cent. The hepatitis cases increased from 39 to 103. They were generally held in the depot for eighteen days.