HOSPITAL COMMISSION.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 April 1921, Page 5

HOSPITAL COMMISSION.

SITTING AT CHRISTCHURCH. PRIVATE WARD QUESTION. By Telegraph.—Press Association. . Christchurch, April 22. Further evidence with regard to the Medical Association’s proposal to have private paying wards attached to public hospitals was taken by the Hospitals Commission. Dr. Fox strongly supported the proposal, which would improve the hospital system generally. All classes of cases would be received in private wards. It should be compulsory for all hospital boards to erect private blocks for paying patients, and a patient able to pay should be compelled to take a private ward. He suggested that bursuaries be given to nurses. The chairman said the question was not within the order of reference, but the commission would be pleased to receive Dr. Fox’s view in writing.

A question was raised whether a board could refuse to take into its hospital a person who could pay but refused to do so. z \ •' Dr. Valintine said that, under legal advice, he had informed all boards that they could not refuse any patient if room was available. Christchurch. Last Night.

At the Hospital Commission, Bishop Brodie, on behalf o-f the Mount Magdala Home, asked that the Government grant of £BOO be continued. Mr. 'Wharton, secretary of the North Canterbury Board, advocated in regard to contribution, that the capital expenditure should be raised by levy, and the Government should pay a subsidy of £1 for £l. The cost of proposed capital works should be raised by loan.