History of the RCH: Heliotherapy at the R.C.H.
With summer upon us, it is appropriate that we look at Heliotherapy at the R.C.H. In spite of the “Slip, Slop, Slap” campaign, we should be aware of the importance of sunlight on our body’s production of Vitamin D. Whilst medicos of old may not have known the exact mechanism, the benefits of “fresh air and sunshine” on the recovery of the sick has been practiced for a long time.
In the late 19th C this was formalized and known as “Heliotherapy”. Hospital buildings were built with large verandas so patient’s beds could be put outside. At the RCH Carlton site in 1921, the new Ed Wilson Pavilion had a flat roof and special lift installed that enabled beds to be taken right up onto the roof.
A key proponent of Heliotherapy at the RCH was Dr. Wilfred Kent-Hughes, a strong minded and controversial figure in the RCH history. The honorary staff recommended to the committee that facilities be made on the roof of the Ed Wilson pavilion for Heliotherapy treatment. The committee turned the recommendation down on costs. Despite this decision, Dr Kent-Hughes started to prescribe Heliotherapy for his patients.
In 1922, one of the ladies of the Committee of Management was visiting the hospital and was shocked that “on the surgical side it was found that on Dr’s instructions, children in a nude state were having sun baths on the lawns, balconies and verandas”.
The Committee resolved that this treatment should be discontinued until suitable provision could be made. Dr. Kent-Hughes continued his treatment discretely. After a further report in November, he was summoned to a meeting with the committee – he strongly argued his case but the ladies of the committee would not budge. Dr. Kent-Hughes convinced of the benefit of Heliotherapy refused to desist and wrote that the committee’s resolution was tantamount to a “dismissal”. However, being the professional doctor that he was, he continued his service at the RCH until a replacement could be found.
The honorary staff sent Drs. Hamilton Russell and Charles Littlejohn to explain to the Committee the importance of this treatment, and a compromise was found in the building of special screened areas for such treatments, especially sufferers of Tuberculosis in the bones and joints. Dr. Kent-Hughes continued practicing Heliotherapy and in time both parties seem to have forgotten all about the “dismissal”.
A Heliotherapy ward was built at the Hampton convalescent annex in 1925 and the orthopedic hospital at Mt.Eliza/Frankston (1931-c1960) was situated for its seaside airs. The RCH ran a summer holiday program there for diabetes sufferers (pre insulin injections) to give parents respite and the children a holiday in the sun with medical oversight.