OUR HOSPITAL SYSTEM

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4512, 2 October 1930, Page 3

OUR HOSPITAL SYSTEM

Mr J. K. Horn blow, chairman of of the Palmerston North Hospital Board, gave an address to the .'Civic Club at Pei I ding on Tuesday on the subject of “our Hospital System.” He stated that the Dominion’s hospital system, though not perfect, was unique, and was . unrivalled! i;uany part of the world, He referred to Dr. B egg’s criticism ■nil) said no Government would 'venture to remove the democratic control of our hospitals. He was opposed to political interference, iiiid urged closer co-ordination with the medical profession and stipendiary medical stalling. Mr Bcgg’s statement, that the patients were kept too long in the hospitals was a reflection upon the medical profession, and the eom-

,:i rison in this connection with private hospitals was explained, ft time would come when hospital treatment would be free to all. In the meantime he thought if the hospitals introduced private wards for patients who were williug to pay for them the cost of the system to the ratepayers would be very much reduced. He was in favour of tlie private ward system, aud did not think it would mean any class distinction, any more than the first-class and second-class carriages on the railways meant such distinction.

The speaker was accorded the thanks of the club, .on the motion of the Mayor, Mr C. E. Taylor, and Mr J. S. Tingey. Mr Harding presided.