DURATION OF STAY IN HOSPITALS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4506, 18 September 1930, Page 2

DURATION OF STAY IN HOSPITALS.

A recent statement by Dr. Begg, of Wellington., who returned last month from an inspection of hospitals abroad, was to the effect that. New Zealand hospital boards could save a lot of money if the duration of patients’ stay in hospital was made shorter, said Mr. Horuhlow, chairman of the Palmerston Hospital Board, at Monday’s meeting. He went on to say that this matter had been discussed by tlie Board some months ago, and the medical superintendent was instructed to do what he could to cut down the stay of patients. The chairman added that there was always the gra.ve danger that if a patient was sent out too soon he would be back again on the board’s bands.

Dr. Ward: We get them hack. There is no doubt about it.” The chairman said thal every care was taken by the medical superintendent to see that so soon us a patient was lit to leave in safety lie was sent away so as to relieve the hospital. Dr. Ward pointed out that the average days’ stay was inclined to rise. It was extremely difficult In discharge some patients. Those who were residents of Palmerston North and could visit the hospital for dressings were easily dealt with, hut the man from the country was in a different position. The latter had to be kept in the institution uutil completely recovered. Another difficult person to deal with was the man who had no home, and there were quite a number of them. Invariably when it was a case of going back to a hoarding-house, it was not Long before they were in hospital again unless completely recovered when first sent away.

The present, unemployment had also a lot to do with some of the cases in the hospital. Many a man who was looking for work got ill

and run down. There .were some who could date their illness from the time they were put off a job. A man who has been looking for a job for a couple of months does get run down. The secretary: The man in work makes an effort to ikeep well.