DRASTIC ACTION

Hokitika Guardian, 20 October 1928, Page 6

DRASTIC ACTION

HOSPITAL BUILT AT BOARD’S EXPENSE.

WELLINGTON, Oct. 18

The controversy between the Thames Hospital Board and the Department, of Health over the erection of a maternity hospital at Paeroa, in the hoard’s district, has been drastically terminated by the issue of an Order-in-Council directing Dr Valintine, Director-General of Health, to have erected on a site in Paeroa, borough a hospital comprising a casualty ward with two beds and a maternity home of six beds, together with the necessary staff accommodation and furnishings.

This is the outcome of a dispute between the Thames Hospital Board and Paeroa residents, who have long desired this hospital, but have failed to secure a decision from the Thames board, though the local residents have raised sufficient funds to construct the building.

Plans are in the hands of the Public Works Department, and it is intended to call tenders immediately. The total cost is not to exceed £7600. The Order-in-Council declares that the Thames Hospital Board unreasonably failed and refused to exercise powers conferred on it. though the Director-General of Health considers a liosnital is required in Paeroa.

The order further directs that the hospital and the cost of its maintenance is to he provided by the head of the Department at the expense of the Thames Board, and he is empowered, if necessary, and at the board s cost, to engage'a. staff and carry on the institution. 1

As the Department of Health pays large subsidies to hospital boards, it has complete power to deal " till such a position, any expenditure incurred on behalf of a board being deducted from the subsidv.