HOSPITAL BENEFITS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 July 1939, Page 6

HOSPITAL BENEFITS

UNDER SOCIAL SECURITY ACT. IN FORCE FROM TODAY. Hospital benefits under the Social Security Act take effect as from today. New Zealanders admitted henceforth to public hospitals will be exempt from the payment of fees. In place of the payment of fees by patients, the sum of six shillings per patient per day will be paid to hospital boards from the Social Security Fund. At the Wairarapa hospitals, the Man-aging-Secretary of the Hospital Board (Mr Norman Lee) stated today, the recommendation of a doctor will be necessary, as hitherto, to secure the admission of a patient, except in cases of casualty or emergency. In place of the former personal liability for fees, however, a patient over sixteen years of age must now produce his or her Social Security contribution book. In the case of patients under sixteen, the contribution book of the parent or guardian must be produced. So far as patients admitted to hospital are concerned, all payments for which the patient hitherto has been individually liable, with the exception of ambulance charges, will in general be covered by the Social Security Fund payment. There is an exception in the matter of injuries received in accidents in respect of which damages or insurance payments may be collectable. In cases of this kind the patient will still be personally liable for fees. Outpatients will still have to pay X-ray, massage and District Nurse fees. Mr Lee stated that the rule would stand as hitherto that chronic and non-urgent cases would not be admitted to hospital unless arrangements had been made beforehand. Forms have been provided which, under thp conditions new established, will have to be filled in by patients or on their behalf. Full personal particulars are asked for in the case of patients who have been resident in the Wairarapa district for six months or more. Where the patient has not been resident in the Wairarapa for six months, particulars are required of previous residence, employment, etc. As already stated, the Social Security contribution book of the patient, or the patient’s parent or guardian must also be produced. A section of the form calls for particulars of motor or other accidents and of persons responsible for payment. Particulars are required also of age. invalidity or other benefit under the Social Security Act being paid to the patient or in respect of the patient.