DOCTORS REVOLT

Hokitika Guardian, 23 September 1933, Page 6

DOCTORS REVOLT

UNPAID HIGHWAY SAMARITANS MEASURE PROMOTED IN LORDS LONDON, September 15. Doctors in Britain are rebelling against being regarded l as the unpaid good Samaritans of the highways. At the annual meeting of the British Medical Association it was stated that they received payment in only one case out of five motor accidents which they ‘are called upon to attend. Lord Moynihan, the famous surgeon, has promoted a Bill in the House of Lords to compel people to recompense the doctor who might save their lives. , “Since the new year,” a wellknown doctor said recently, “I have been called'out of 35 road accidents. But despite the fact that I have rendered my bill in each case, I have been pai.d for five cases only.” Sir Steiison Cooke, secretary of the Automobile Association, when interviewed, was very sympathetic to the doctors’ point of view. He- sqys he wants to see that doctors are adequately paid for the services they render in roadside accidents.

“But,” said' Sir Stenson, “I am strongly opposed to the motorist concerned .paying on the spot for any medical treatment' which might be necessary. ■ -v ‘ r ■ :■' V ! < “The motorist- does not want to driver has paid, his- responsibility for dodge his responsibility. But- once the the accident has been tacitly acknowledged. This is a job for the State to handle. The doctor should be paid—-at least for the timer being—out of public funds.”