POOR PATIENTS AT SANATORIA.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 876, 23 July 1910, Page 13

POOR PATIENTS AT SANATORIA.

The free-bed accommodation for indigpnt persons at Government sanatoria (states" tho Hon. T. Mackenzie), in answer to. a-question in Parliament, has in the past very frequently proved inadequate for the number of approved patients applying for admission. Consequently many unfortunate people have had to suffer without prospect of relief for long periods. Not only has their ultimate recovery been retarded thereby, but, in some cases, the treatment they received came too late to bring about restoration to health. It has, therefore, been proposed to discontinue in a measure the present system of having a.limited number of free beds at each sanatorium; and to invite Charitable Aid Boards to enter into an agreement with the Department far a weekly payment for each patient. If this is done it will give persons approved 'oy boards the right to a free bed immediately. Such patients will enjoy tho benefit of accommodation at tho sanatorium, mineral baths, medical advice, medicine when prescribed, massage, and electrical treatment. The proposal is considered one for the Charitable Aid Boards to adopt; especially as they have funds supplied to them by way' of Government subsidies, and also rates for the purpose of aiding indigent sufferers. It is considered that instead of persons being sent to local hospitals, where they may receive little or no benefit in their particular trouble, it would be better for boards to expend money in treatment at Eotorua or Hanmer.