HOSPITAL COSTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 355, 16 May 1928, Page 18

HOSPITAL COSTS

“AN UPWARD TENDENCY” ESSENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS “With the elaboration of methods of diagnosis and treatment, and the consequent increase in the number of special departments and appliances, hospital costs always show an upward tendency,” declared Dr. Maguire, medical superintendent, at yesterday’s meeting of the Auckland Hospital Board. It was, however, gratifying to learn from the last returns issued by the Department of Health that the Auckland Hospital, he said, compared very favourably in its maintenance cost, etc., with the other large hospitals of the Dominion. Commenting upon necessary improvements in connection with the hospital, Dr. Maguire said that covered ways between the various hospital buildings was a subject engaging the attention of the board. These were very necessary, and would make the work of the staff much easier. “What is more important, they would obviate patients requiring transport from various wards to the X-ray and massage departments being exposed to bad weather,” he added. The necessity of an administrative block, he said, was obvious. It should be built at the entrance of the hospital and should accommodate all the offices, and out-patient department, and the dental hospital. The main entrance to the hospital should be through this administrative block, and form the only entrance for visitors. At the present time, the hospital was inundated with visitors at visiting times. “They come in their hundreds; and impede considerably the work of the institution. Under present conditions no check can be kept on the number of visitors; and no efficient ticket system could be put in operation,” remarked Dr. Maguire. It was hoped that in the coming year an automatic telephone system would he installed throughout the hospital buildings. The saving in time to those concerned would be very great.