HOSPITAL COMMISSION

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 173, 18 April 1921, Page 3

HOSPITAL COMMISSION

MEDICAL and food supplies SUGGESTIONS TO PREVENT WASTE The Hospital Commission continued its sittings on Saturday in the old Parliamentary Buildings. Mr. V. H. Heed, M.P., presided, and associated with him on the Commission were the Hons. W. H. Trigjjs and A. F. Hawkes, Dr. Acland, and Mr. G- Shirtcliffe. Dr. Valentine (Director-General of Health), Dr. Wylie (head of the hospitals branch of the Department), and Mr. E. Killick (secretary) represented the Department, Evidence was given by Mr. ,F. J. Fenton. inspecting house steward to the Health Department, touching the extent to which economy might be effected by the adoption of stricter business methods, more especially in the pF chasing of medical and surgical suppiilS Witness stated that in the few institutions he had visited since his appointment recently, the necessity for systems to prevent waste and leakage, and for 'better purchasing methods, were apparent, and the adoption of better methods therein would result in substantial savings. With a view to ensuring a thorough check and stricter record of receipts and issues, witness was of opinion that only one person should be responsible for ,tho -stores. The Department was at present cpmp’filng a system (which should bo made mandatory in all institutions, and w'hich would, if carried out, prevent leakages, waste, and extravagance, and <*ow considerable saving in expenditure. ■“*ie various avenues through which leakages waste, and deficiencies occurred should 7 demand an exact and regular supervision and interest on the part of hospital committees in regard to stores records. Methode of purchasing supplies in the hospitals were various, the usual form being by contract. The, advantage of calling for tenders was now a matter to be seriously considered, in comparison with using the machinery set up by the Department, whereby almost any of the principal lines in hospital use could be purchased in bulk at prices lower than those obtained by most boards. The scheme deserved the hearty co-operation of all members of boarcis. It should 'be made mandatory on boards, either to call for tenders or purchase through the Supply rfient, all tenders fo be referred to the Department for approval. A Common Fault. ' Witness said that a very common, almost universal, fault in hospital administration wps the neglect to consider, with the question of cost, the equally important one of measurement. By measurement he meant quantity consumption The tabulation of scientific records touching consumption in institution in New Zealand would afford a basis for comparison engender emulation and enable a thorough check to be kept with a view to further reducing to a minimum any extravagance, leakage, or waste. Hie Department was anxious to assist by advice «nd help to establish a watertight iXn, and if all parties concerned were prepared to uphold the Department the result at the end of one year would show a considerable saving. Questioned by the chairman, Dr. Valintine said that the most important department in which economies could be Carried out was that affecting, stores, Sl Tho Commission then adjourned. Evidence will be taken at Auckland this week and thereafter at Christchurch and Dunedin. The commission will return to Wellington' about the end of the month to hold its final sittings.