COLONIAL HOSPITALS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2513, 10 July 1884, Page 3

COLONIAL HOSPITALS.

From the annual report of Dr. Grabham, Inspector of Hospitals, it would appear that there are 38 hospitals in the colony, including the sanatorium at Eotorua.

Dr. Grabham expressed bis satisfaction with the great change for the bel-

ter ■which has occurred in the condition of the hospitals since his first visit. The result in many instances, he says, has surprised him, and the favourable manner in which the Local Committees and Medical Officers have received and carried out his suggestions has been very gratifying, and has certainly greatly exceeded his expectations. In regard to the admission of patients, Dr. Grabham points out a new departure at Dunedin, Here a system has been introduced of charging Is for each prescription dispensed for out-patients. Although many cannot pay, and others evade payment, yet the result is an addition of about £lO 10s a month to the hospital’s funds.

Dr. Grabham draws attention to the great expenditure which occurs for wine, spirits, and other alcoholic liquors in the hospitals of this colony. The amount consumed, in his opinion, was very excessive, and might, without detriment to the patients, be greatly curtailed, as has long since been clone in the lunatic asylums with good result, the death rate in these institutions being extraordinarily low, and the percentage of recoveries high.