OUTSIDE MEDICAL TREATMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 11 October 1929, Page 1

OUTSIDE MEDICAL TREATMENT

BY HOSPITAL BOARDS. RAISED BY 8.M.A.. (By Telegraph—Press Association). HAMILTON, October 10. An important question, whether hospital boards are entitled to arrange for medical treatment of patients in their own homes, was raised in a letter received by Waikato Hospital Board to-day from the Council df New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association.

The Council protested at an agreement recently arranged between the Board and Huntly Medical Club. The letter stated: “The proposal it appears, is to charge each member of Huntly Medical Club £2 per annum subscription and according to the amount paid the Board is to supply one or two doctors who will attend members and take charge of Huntly Hospital under the supervision of the Superintendent of Waikato Hospital.” The letter protests against “this proposed interference with private practise ” and states the Medical Association branch “ will spare no effort to resist to the utmost limit this proposed encroachment on the rights of duly qualified medical practitioners. The Council affirms the principle that a medical officer appointed for Huntly Hospital should be free to make his own financial arrangements for attendance on members of the Society’s or other patients, without restrictions by or reference to the Hospital Board.” Dr Valentine (Director of Health) wrote that' the proposal to provide free outdoor treatment to members of a Medical Club was without precedent in this country and needed careful consideration. He asked the Board questions regarding the proposal. Dr Watt (assistant Director of Health) attended the meeting and also E. George (President of Huntly Medical Club). On the motion of the Chairman, Mr Campbell, the Hospital Board went into committee to discuss the matter, several members protesting that the matter was one of public interest.

The Board resolved to invite the B.M.A. and Huntly representatives to a conference.

Several members interviewed subsequently pointed out that the Minister of Health had been present when the agreement with Huntly was arranged. They expressed a determination not to be dictated to by the B.M.A.