Minister Asked Why Hospital Beds Empty

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31080, 8 June 1966, Page 18

Minister Asked Why Hospital Beds Empty

(From Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, June 7. The Minister of Health (Mr McKay) was asked in Parliament tonight to find out why many beds in Christchurch Hospital were empty when many people required admission.

Miss M. B. Howard (Opp., Sydenham) said that, in the week ending April 27, 447 beds were available, but the records showed that on an average only 373 were occupied.

“Apparently there were 74 empty beds that week,” she said. “This was so even though people could not get in. People in pain were turned away. Some time ago I asked why empty beds were kept, and was told, "There might be an epidemic’.” In the week ending May 16, Miss Howard said, it was worse. There were 447 beds in the hospital, but the aver-

age occupancy was only 345. More than 100 were empty. “Why? Why, Mr Minister?” cried Miss Howard.

Government voice: Why don’t you ask the hospital board? You’re a member, aren’t you? Miss Howard: This is the only place you can make it public. I want the public to know. There are empty beds. There are people suffering. Miss Howard said a man suffering pain wished to enter hospital. He was told that if he went to a private hospital he could go in the next day. He had no money. He was told he had to wait two years before entering the Public Hospital. “I could go to the superintendent, but I couldn’t get the publicity I can get here,”

Miss Howard said. “I am prepared to give the Minister names and addresses privately —not here. I would not like them to go in the paper. I don’t think beds should be permitted to stay empty.”