Merging hospital boards

Taupo Times, Volume 19, Issue 97, 15 December 1970, Page 4

Merging hospital boards

The Department of Health has written to a number of hospital boards throughout New Zealand, outlining its recommendations for board amaleamation in each area.

"The boards concerned will have the opportunity to discuss our proposals, and, if there is marked disagreement with them, could have their case assessed by an independent formal inquiry," the Director of the Department s Hospitals Division, Dr H. J. H. Hiddlestone, said. "If the boards concerned are in agreement with our proposals, however, they will be forwarded to the Hospital Advisory Council, which will then consider the proposals and make suitable recommendations to the Minister of Health. 'Amalgamation of boards into units serving about 100,000 people will bring less central direction from the Department of Health, more regional control by the en-

larged boards, and better care for all patients wherever they live. "Amalgamation will nol force small hospitals to close or eliminate local representa tion on boards," he said. Overall, amalgatnation should lead to long-term improvement in the quality oi care which hospitals provide. "We do not expect hospital services to become cheaper to run when boards amalgamate " said Dr Hiddlestone. "but we do expect the taxpayer to get more for his money. "Those who stand to benefit most are those whose boards at present rely on a larger neighbouring board for the services of specialist physicians, surgeons and

other highly qualified people." Dr Hiddlestone explained that when a specialist is hard : pressed it is the patients of the smaller board who suffer, as they are fewer and further 1 away from the bulk of his patients. "Specialists are attracted mainly to the large hospitals ^ of larger boards. Amalgama- ' tion will therefore make available to all patients the full > range of services that only a big board can provide." 1 Dr Hiddlestone said that amalgamation might bring support for some smaller hospitals that were struggling to maintain their staffs. Administrators, doctors and nurses would be able to gain experience at several hospitals and in a variety of circumstances without having to resign from one board and join another. "Amalgamation will not do away with local representation. An existing hospital district may have fewer representatives on an enlarged board, but experience in those boards which have already amalgamated shows that local interests have been well safeguarded. "The local committee of management which will replace small boards that amalgamate will ensure the continued local interest," said Dr Hiddlestone. Amalgamation would also

promote regional administration of hospital services. With fewer, but larger, hospital boards, the Government would be able to delegate to boards some of the functions of the Department of Health, which would then be able to adopt its preferred role — that of adviser. "Above all," said Dr Hiddlestone "we must remember that hospital board amalgamation is ultimately in the best interests of those most concerned — the patients." «