HOSPITAL RATING

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 971, 14 May 1930, Page 16

HOSPITAL RATING

NEW SCHEME PROPOSED j MOVE BY FARMERS’ WIVES From Our Own Correspondent TAUMARUNUI, Tuesday. “If the farmers made sufficient noise some amendment of the present system of hospital maintenance might be achieved.” This opinion was expressed by Mr. Skelton at 'a meeting of the Taumarunui Hospital Board, which considered a suggestion from the local branch of the women’s division of the Farmers’ Union. In this district, the Hospital Board has a special arrangement with the United Friendly Societies, whereby certain financial concessions are made in return for patients’ fees being guaranteed by the association, which has a special fund for the purpose. The contention of the farmers’ wives was that, as the ratepayers are continually paying for hospital maintenance, they should at least be given the same privileges of rebates for cash as is given members of the lodges. In a letter to the board the women’s division of the Farmers’ Union requested that this be granted, and expressed the view that if it were, the patients would make a greater effort to pay cash and outstanding accounts would decrease. Mr. Skelton said the letter opened up a big question that could only be dealt with by special legislation. A granting of rebates would mean an increasing of hospital rates. The board resolved to defer consideration of the proposal to its ’next meeting.