Is City Hospital Growing Unwieldy?

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 332, 18 April 1928, Page 16

Is City Hospital Growing Unwieldy?

SIZE CAN BE DOUBLED BOARD’S POLICY DEFINED Out of a request from the Hikurangi Collieries Medical Society asking the Hospital Board that miners and their dependents be placed on the basis of friendly societies in regard to fees for treatment in the Auckland Hpspital arose a discussion among members as to whether or not the hospital was becoming too large and unwieldy. The board could not see its way to grant the request. Conversation then turned to the subject of the relative merits of country hospitals and the “base” institution in the city. Mr. M. J. Coyle did not agree with opinions heard about town that the Auckland Hospital was growing too large. , He believed that to establish “cottage” hospitals In country and suburban districts, giving like service to that of the base hospital, would require £500,000. Such expenSiture would be a tremendous burden on ratepayers. ROOM FOR .ENLARGEMENT

“We have sufficient land, and we could enlarge our institution without undue enlargement of the staff,” he said.

While agreeing in the main with the previous speaker, Mr. M. J. Savage considered that most country people would prefer to euter. hospitals as near as possible to their own homes. In cases where major operations were necessary the city institution was open to them. But he did not think it right that all attention and money should be given to base hospitals, and none to cottage institutions. “In any case,” added Mr. Savage, “I do not think we should rush to either pole or be dogmatic.”

The chairman, Mr. William Wallace, said the Auckland Hospital, containing at present about 500 cots, could comfortably be added to so as to provide from 1,000 to 1,200 cots. Several eminent overseas authorities had remarked on the practicability of such enlargement in view of the practice in other countries. “Our policy has always been to assist those living in outback districts, and to nelp those unable to help themselves. The coming of good roads has made possible the conveyance of country patients to the city, and such people are entitled to the best treatment in cases warranting a visit to the city hospital,” concluded Mr. Wallace.