HOSPITAL AFFAIRS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, 8 May 1925, Page 9

HOSPITAL AFFAIRS.

WOMEN CITIZENS’ ASSOCIATION

ADDRESSED BY REV. T. W. POTTS

At the monthly meeting of the-Ti-maru Women Citizens’ Association in the Y.M.C.A. last evening, an interesting addresh. was given, by the Rev. T. W. Potts (chairman of the South Canterbury Hospital Board) on matters that were receiving the attention of the Board.

The President (Mrs D. 5. Kemshed), In introducing Mr Potts, said they were all keenly interested to know what was' being done at the hospital. . The Rev. Mr Potts briefly returned thanks for being asked to address the Association, and went on to suggest the provision of a Girls’ Hostel for Timaru, in order that girls living away from hd.tae would have, the best environment. After dealing fully with 1 this suggestion, Mr Potts paid tribute \ to the work being done by > Mesdames Raymond and tJWvrin, referring to them as women' of finfe types and of independent minds. Speaking of the Hospital Board, he said the members had. a g»at -deal of humanitarian work to do—a WOjfk Which had to be done fearlflßSly 84*8 without respect of persons. EWWTg public body, naturally and rlghtlyV should be open to. fair and healthy criticism; but it must' be fhir crUh* cism. As far as the Board was oorucerned any doubts or complaints that existed received the fullest explanation in the right quarter. In his opinion, the chairman, members 0$ the Board, office and Institution staffs, should always be approachable to give assistance and information when required. Personally, he had had scores of opportunities of passing on information to people on hospital matters,, which had rather, .astonished, but satisfied. The Hospital Board gave the fullest publicity, thanks to a generous Press, to its business, and was at all .times only too anxious to answer any inquiries. Now that the elections were over it was hoped that peace and goodwill would exist, and that all sections of the community, would work for the good of the institutions. The Board had been and was working for the highest equipment and efficiency, consistent with economy, despite the fact.that it was hampered by the high cost of everything it touched. On that point he was greatly impressed by the, remarks made by Dr. Begg (secretary of the British Medical Association) at the conference held in Wellington. His words were: “That base hospitals must have the latest and best equipment.” The speaker referred to the new institutions at Fairlie and Geraldine, and to the Board’s activities at Waipiata Sanatorium. Increased . service meant increased cost; yet the Board was asking the ratepayers for £I3OO less than last year. As an offset against the costs they were confidently looking forward to a larger income; first from fees but every case was treated on its merits, no hardship inflicted; time was given in which to pay. The speaker emphasised the fact that all who could pay, must pay. That was the clear duty of the public for services rendered. Secondly, with an expert as house manager, and a secretary, master of his business, great economies could be effected in bulk buying, Mr Fenton, inspecting house manager for the Health Department, had said that no better provision was made for patients than at the Timaru Hospital. In conclusion, the speaker made brief reference to the medical policy of the Board. Personally, he,was in favour of a stipendiary staff, consistent with the size of the hospital, and also with the establishment of paying wards. Another improvement would be a scheme of social service so that mothers requiring hospital treatment would feel free to go, by having women appointed to temporarily keep house.

Asked why maternity patiqnts should he charged £4/4/-, while the charge for surgical cases was three guineas, Mr Potts replied that accidents happened suddenly. There was no chance of patients having saved money to pay expenses. That could be done in respect to maternity cases. It ivas stated that the present maternity charges would keep people away, for many would not feel inclined to ask for a reduction in fees. That would have the effect of sending patients to other homes where the conveniences were not so hygienic. Mr Potts replied that confinement fees in some of the private homes were-as high as five guineas. On the motion of Mrs Gillespie, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr Potts for his most instructive address.

It was decided that a deputation, to be appointed bv the committee, should wait on the South Canterbury Hospital Board to inquire as to why discrimination was made between surgical and maternity cases.