THE OTAKI MAIL. Published on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 1920. EDITORIAL NOTES.

Otaki Mail, 12 January 1920, Page 2

THE OTAKI MAIL. Published on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 1920. EDITORIAL NOTES.

Out ptlblie Hospitals— Who Eiania be Admitted?

! From time to time the question a? 1o f who are entitled to treatment in our 1 public hospitals is brought before the J poblic. At the present time there is no > deinite guidance in the laatfcr, which s is left almost entirely iu the handrf of the medical fjaterniry. When a case is brought before a medical man, the doctor has it in his power to send the patient to tho public hospital or to a private institution. If the patient is sent to tho public institution the incdij rn\ man gets no gain, while, if treated !at a private hospital under the medieo'j* supervision, there is the pros peet of a #ood fee —probably a longattendance on. s. profitable case. The natural consequence is that the question of private or public hospital treatment U determined by the medical officer's opinion as to the patient's 1 ability to pay the fees. While the prin--5 ciplo of a man 's ability to pay is a , ! good guidance in such cases, it is not! 5 right, wo submit, that the matter ) bo left in tho doctor's hands, • »nd <S* time has come when some I clfariy ,<le£ned policy should be adopted ■in this v&U&t, One of the Canterbury Hospital has been exerj eised over this question. And has for- ■ warded circular letters to .other Hospij ta! Boards, asking their opinion on the 1 matter. In dealing with this matter j briefly, at the" last meeting of the Palj merston North Hospital Board, Mr I Bramwell (Feirding) expressed the opinion that it was high time that the | ?Joapital Boards should adopt a policy. I He «rid he thought that every man '■ whose #ieome did not exceed £3OO a j rear Aax&i- he entitled to treatmsnt for S himseif «ad mcaefoers of bis household i a€ jnblte hospitffhvtiwl that the matter ' should not be left in rive toads of the i medical men. The malic* w-it not i t artier discussed by the Board, it-being understood that it would come op for : I full consideration later on. We heartily ' agree with'Mr Bramwell's views. It is well known that many a man of small B^juu- —men whose income does not ex- , cee* £250 a year—have been crippled fina.neas»y or handicapped for years I through haviag to pay heavy doctors' and nurses * bills, running into three figures. Now, we claim that these" men have a perfect right to ree«sl»s attention at the public hospitals, by the regular fees at such in-' etituriofij> J/ they can afford it, they should pay the regular fees eharged at the :jjeijjli,als. bui_ whether they can pay or not, it & the duty of * iae Statu to provide the ;be&t jwstsible treatment ior the sick. The time fcas/ came when we should no longer look upon our public iwispijufa as charitable institutions, but as places inhere people of small or moderate means jt&n, ii they wislf, receive proper treatment for .sick-1 nes* at tie ordinary fcoscital fees, or at •■ less if they cannot afford tfee*e. ThiJ is a raaiier which taigtt neS jfeei dealt ■wfeo as the forthcoming eooferenee of I board representatives, as it it I; ±r. question on yrkxb there | shoaid be a -fiied .rait ;o apply tirecgi.- J ; out t£* - *'•

Maternity Hospital Privileges.

With regard to tlie St. Helens maternity hospitals, there has been a rule regarding admittance of patients. In the past, any woman was admitted to St. Helens maternity hospital the earnings of whose husband did not exceed £4 per week. Owing to the increase in the cost of living, this limit has now been raised to £5 per week, while the matrons of these institutions have discretionary power in regard to the mothers of large families up to a limit of £6 per week. This step is in the right direction, ami will bo noted with satisfaction by all, and more especially by those residing in the larger centres. The State is gradually realising its duty in this important matter of motherhood, and the St. Helens hospital scheme is an admirable one that should certainly be extended. At present" the Government, has only established homes in the chief centres, and one or two other towns, but towns such as Pnlnierston North, Wanganui, Nelson and others of similar population should enjoy the same privileges, which the public have a right to expect.