HOSPITAL BOARD AND B.M.A.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 4009, 12 October 1929, Page 2

HOSPITAL BOARD AND B.M.A.

SCHEME TO TREAT PATIENTS IN T'HEIR OWN HOMES.

Hamilton,. October 10,

The important question whether hospital hoai)ls* are entitled to arrange for the medical treatment of patients in their own homes was raised in a letter received hv the Waikato Hospital Board to-day from the Council of the New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association.

Thei council protested against the agreement recently arranged between the hoard and the Huntly Medical Club.

The letter stated: “The proposal, it appears, is to charge each member of the Huntly Medical Club £2 per annum subscription. According to the amount paid, the board is to supply one or two doctors, who will attend members and take charge of the Huntly hospital under the supervision of the superintendent of the Waikato hospital.” The letter protests against “This proposed interference with .private practice” and states that the Medical Association “will spare no effort to resist to the utmost limit this proposed encroachment on the rights otf duly qualified medical practitioners.”

The council affirms that the ■principle that the medical officer appointed for the Huntly hospital should be free to make his own financial ‘arrangements for attendance on members of societies and other patients without restrictions by or reference to the hospital board.

Dr. Valintine, Director-General of Health, wrote that the proposal to provide free outdoor treatment for members of a medical club was without precedent in this country and would need careful consideration. He asked the board questions regarding the proposal. Dr. Watt, Assistant-Director of Health, attended the meeting, also Mr. E. George, president of the Huntly Medical Club. On the motion of the chairman (Mr. Campbell) the Hospital Board went, into committee to' discuss the matter,' though sctveral members protested 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 on being interviewed subsequently, pointed out that, .the Minister of Health had been present when the agreement with the Huntley people was arranged. They expressed determination not to be dictated to by the B.M/L