THE OTAKI HOSPITAL.

Shannon News, 19 January 1926, Page 3

THE OTAKI HOSPITAL.

ANOTHER ATTEMPT TO CLOSE IT. RUNNING AT A LOSS. PALMERSTON N., January 14. A lively discussion centrod around the proposal to close th'c Otaki Public Hospital at the meeting of the Palmerston North Hospital, Board yesterday. The chairman (Sir James Wilson) stated that whilst desiring to give the wishes of Otaki • residents every consideration, the hospital there was a .most expensive item. The hospital policy of the Dominion at present was centralisation, and the Department oi Health was not averse to the closing of the institution. , ■ Mr. F. J. Kyuer (Horowhenun County) stated that the Otaki people were entirely averse to the hospital be ing closed. Mr. A. J. Phillips, manager an'ct secretary, in reply to Mr. L. T. McLean, stated" that a few months ago ii was costing £I6OO per annum to rim the institution, less fees from, patients amounting to som'e £350. Mr. C. A. Monk .(Horowhcinia County) thought the board had no power to close the hospital,' it being a matter f6r the Health Department, He considered that the Otaki institution should remain open, which would lessen th'c need for the proposed increased accommodation at Palnierst.on North. Mr. J. K. Hornblow, representing Foxton) was opposed to the hospital being kept open, his opinion being that it would be bettor to. erect a small building to be placed in charge of a nurse.

Mr. J. 11, Vinc'ent (Oroua County) attributed the board's present loss to its guarantee of 9s. per diem per patient, the withdrawal of which he thought would bring the matter to a head. 'The chairman stated that if that were don'c the Department might reduce its subsidy to the Board. , He considered the Otaki people were taking up an unfair attitude in view of the fact that the loss on the running of the institution had to be made good by other districts. Mr. Monk said that whilst, admitting that the administration of the hospital might be improved, he felt sure it should be'kept open and efforts made to bring about more efficient management. It was d'ecided to discuss the matter further on the occasion of Dr. Valintine's next visit to Palmerston North. In the meantime the executive and Mr. Monk are to give the question their attention.