HOSPITAL CHARGES.

Shannon News, 16 July 1929, Page 1

HOSPITAL CHARGES.

SUING FOR OUTSTANDING TEES. "We ought to take even extreme action in cases where patients can pay and don't do so," remarked Mr. J. H. Perrett during a discussion on hospital matters at last week's conference of - A frostfish, sft 3in. long, was found on the Otaki beach by 'Mr W. Reynolds yesterday morning. The librarian at Palmerston North, Mr. P. W. Christian, states that after verv careful consideration he had decided to allow the book "All Quiet On the Western Pront" into the Palmerston North Public Library. He believed that the book should be allowed into the library on the ground that it was of historical value, showing as it did some of the sordid side of war. It will not, however, be accessible to "the general public. Mr. Christian's motive in allowing it into th-3 library being his regard for the student, and his desire to obtain books valuable for reference purposes. local bodies in Palmerston North. "Are we doing as mueh as we can to collect fees?"' he asked.

The secretary (Mr. A. J. Phillipps) stated that the Board had adopted a policy of suing and each week saw cases before the magistrate. The trouble chiefly with patients who went into hospital in the summer was that the winter saw many out of work. In a large number of eases the Board had to accept payment in instalment. It had been very reluctant to sue and adopted the policy that debts of butchers, bakers, grocers, etc., should take precedence to the hospital debt. Mr. G. P. Catley, a Board member, considered that more fees should be collected. The secretary visited the' various Board members occasionally and went into accounts owing with them and the ability of debtors to pay. Even then there were evasions but the Board did not willingly let off a man who could pay. _ Mr. C E. Taylor (Mayor of Feeding) suggested that the Board make use of members of the various local bodies who might have a fair know-", ledge of the financial position of the people in their I *district. The secretary explained that he had made numerous visits to the outlying districts and consulted with Board members over outstanding fees and undoubtedly the visits were profitable. He would welcome any information.