TRANSPORT OF INVALIDS

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21410, 28 February 1935, Page 20

TRANSPORT OF INVALIDS

ST. JOHN ASSOCIATION'S DIFFICULTIES DEPUTATION TO HOSPITAL BOARD Supporting a request that the North Canterbury Hospital Board should make a considerable increase this year in its grant of £l5O to the St. John Ambulance Association, a deputation consisting of Dr. J. Restell Thomas, Messrs C. W. Hervey, and C. H. Kersley waited on the board at its meeting yesterday morning. Dr. Thomas said that the invalid transport service in Christchurch was conducted by the St. John Ambulance Association. The greater part of that service was in the interests of tie hospital, and it had to be remembered that if the service was not ran by the association it would have to be carried on by some other body. The. association had faced increasing financial difficulties, and £3OOO a year was needed to carry on the work. He quoted figures showing the methods of financing such transport systems in other centres in New Zealand. In assuring the deputation of sympathetic consideration of its request the chairman (Mr H. J. Otley) said the board felt that persons who were able to pay for the association's services should be made to pay. Since; the free ambulance services started in Christchurch the St. John Ambulance Association had been attempting the impossible. Mr Otley moved that the request be referred to the finance committee. Dr. P. S. Foster said that in considering the matter the committee should make enquiry as to whose was the liability for transporting patients to and from hospital. If the association went out of existence, as seemed possible, the board might be saddled with the responsibility. If this were so it would be well worth while the board to pay sufficient to keep the association in existence. The motion was carried, and Dr. Foster's name was added to the committee for the purpose of tne enquiry.