Points About Beds

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31082, 10 June 1966, Page 1

Points About Beds

(Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, June 9. A n appreciation and a reproof for Miss M. B. Howard (Opp., Sydenham) were administered by the Minister of Health (Mr McKay) during the Address-in-Reply debate in Parliament tonight.

“I am surprised at her comments in the House this week concerning the North Canterbury Hospital Board,” Mr McKay said. “They were even more surprising coming from a member of that board, and

also from a former Minister of Health—and a good one. “I find it quite disturbing to hear her remark that she had been written off by members of her own Hospital Board. I cannot believe that. I know members of the North Canterbury Hospital Board, and I respect their judgment. “The question Miss Howard asked in the House should have been addressed to her own Hospital Board. I am sure that if she had done this, it would have been answered. “There are many reasons

why there are empty beds in hospitals. You cannot put a man in a women’s ward. You cannot put adults in children’s wards. You cannot put orthopedic cases in general wards. There are many reasons why there can be empty beds in a hospital which is “full” to some would-be patients. “This can all be explained, on the ground, when specific times and cases are cited. I feel Miss Howard should have done this before complaining in Parliament.”