HOSPITAL BOARDS CONFER

Hokitika Guardian, 25 February 1926, Page 2

HOSPITAL BOARDS CONFER

[by TELEGRAPH —PEll PRESS ASSOCIATION DUNEDIN, February 24. The Hospital Boards’ Conference was opened this morning by the Alayor, Air 11. L. Taplev, ALP. A stirring address was given by the new Minister of Health, Air J. A. A’oung. The following remits f refill the Hospital Boards were brought forward:—

North Canterbury:—“That the Government be asked to provide a special sanatorium for tuberculosis patients, who, owing to criminal tendencies or filthy and objectionable habits are unsuitable for admission to ordinary sanitoria. and who yet are a menace to the public health, and who it is desirable should be compulsorily detained until such time as the disease is arrested.” This was adopted. Roller:—“That, while the present system obtains, only ratepayers he eligible to vote at hospital elections.” This was rejected. Buller:—“That the present system of raising local body levies by means of rates be abolished, and, in lieu thqueof, a flat rate per capital bo struck on all male adults.” This was rejected.

North Canterbury:—“That the Government be still urged to amend the Hospitals Act, to enable Hospital Boards to receive money on temporary deposit, the limit in this direction being that at no time shall the deposits in hand exceed the amount owing to the Board as levy and subsidy.” This was adopted. AVangamti:—" That the Government be recommended to amend the existing regulations governing hospital accounts to provide that returns he set out in the first and second schedule of tho Government Audit Office.” Adopted. Wailiai:—“ That hospitals boards charge single men (without dependents'! the actual cost of their maintenance whilst in hospitals.”—Adopt-

Otago:—“That sub-section 6 of Section 72 of “The Hospital and Charitable Institutions Act, 1909,” he amended by adding Lite following words there- ( to, viz., “ Or any other public or private institution where a person has been sent for any special purpose.” Adopted. South Canterbury:—“That the Association is of opinion that the salaries of all nurses undergoing training in the public hospitals of the Dominion should he made uniform.” Rejected. Ashburton:—“That, in view of the fact that the Government has recognised the national aspect of tiie treatment of tuberculosis, in that it has erected a sanatoria in tho North Island. this Conference is of opinion that the time has arrived when similar provision should he made for the South Island.” Adopted. ;

SELECTION .OF HOSPITAL DOCTORS.

DUNEDIN, February 2L Considerable discussion was caused by Sir Undo Ferguson during tho course of an address on hospital staffing. stating that no body of men in the world are more incompetent to judge the capabilities of a medical practitioner than the layman who sat on Hospital Boards. He said he considered that medical men were the only ones capable of doing so. Most of the medical professions did not want honorariums, hut would willingly tender their services to such as could not afford .to pay for them. Those who could pay hospital maintenance should he made to do so. lie did not wish to see the profession exploited. Air AY. AA’allace (Auckland) President of the Conference, deeply resented the remarks which he characterised as a grave indictment against the Hospital Boards and the British Afedieal Association.

Mr Hornblow (Palmerston North) said the Palmerston North Board did not appoint the doctors to the staff. The appointments were made through a Board of Afedieal Practitioners.

Sir Undo Ferguson said he was glad to hear that Palmerston North was so enlightened. Ho did not know it before but thought no other board in New Zealand did so. This was contradicted from several

quarters. Air A'. IT. Potter (Auckland) said:— “ 1 think, sir, you should have found that out before coming here, and I for one strongly resent your criticism.”