HOSPITAL CHARGES.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 11 July 1919, Page 2

HOSPITAL CHARGES.

PROPOSAL FOR INCREASE. TURNED DOWN”BY BOARD. In accordance with a notice of motion, Mr H. Bmart moved at too mooting of the Hospital and Cbarit’eble Aid Board yesterday that the hospital charges be increased to 6s per day." I* speaking to his proposal Mr Smart pointed out that the cost of hospital maintenance had materially increased since the commencement of tka war. In 1911 it had cozt ijx per day to keep a patient at the hospital, and this hod risen to Ss lid —a very considerable increase. The cost had gone cp gradually, and ko lar the Board had made no provision to meet it. He quoted figures, showing that .the total cost of maintenance had risen from £6497 In 1614 to £13,395 in 1615. The amount re-

ceived last year trom the patients was £4031. The actual loss, per day ter each patient wax 4s id, and by raising the charge as he suggested they would still be running at a lotr. The position would not be harder for those unable

:o pay, an they were not asked to pay

in any case. He pointed out that £2683 had bee-n written off the bo*ks lent year.

i Mr Penn seconded the motion, pointing out that the amount was the taas as naggestod by the Ooventmeit as a universal cherge. He quoted figur*. t# show that charges had been increased by other boards. In Wsngasui it had keen increased to 35s per week, in New Plymouth t* 42s per week, (and 7s per day), in Nelson from 35s to 42* per week, and in Welliagtoa to 42s per week. He thought the 42s per -week was a reasonable charge, as there were numerous cases in whies It would mat cover tic actual cost. Tie tiiue was coming when the hospitals would not be' looked upon as charitable institutions, and people who could par were willing to pay the higher rate. Those wi# could not pay would not he affected by the increase.

Dr. V, hitaker considered the question should fee left over till consideration of the estimates in March, If they were going to make a decision it should V# one to cover the whole year.. He thought they could carry the least letinnate portion of the public over the rest of the financial year. Mr Homblow,- moved a- aa amendment- that the matter be held over till after the hospital boards’ conference Mr Nash seconded the saeadasAn-,.

Mrs Gill opposed the motion os the grounds that the high cost of living would make it izapotiible for people to ■psy the charges at the present time, i Mr Vincent supported Mr Smart‘z : motion. The hospital was for needy people, whether they could pay or whether they could not.

Mr Bxamweii alto supported tie motion.

Tie amesdnaur was ties put and carried on tie chairman ’« casting vote. —■“Psiaaishoo Daily limes,”