HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 393, 3 November 1868, Page 2

HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT.

{To the Editor of tlie Westport Times and Charleston Argus) Sir, —In your issue of this morning there appears a communication from a "Subscriber," complaining, and reflecting on the management of the Westport Hospital, and with scant courtesy, assailing the Nelson Government for resorting to what the writer calls "an ingenious method of of extortiug from the already doubly taxed mining community, more taxes' , Had your correspondent taken the trouble of enquiring whether his statement, " or crude ideas " were founded on fact, or solely emanating from a misconception of matters, he might have saved himself much mental labor, and your staff the trouble of printing such absurd nonsense. In his zeal for the protection of the mining community, he ignores the fact that the inhabitants of Westport, subscribed nearly two hundred pounds to the Hospital fund, and that the much maligned Nelson Government subsidises every pound so subscribed, by au addition of two, or in plain language counts every pound collected for the benefit of the Hospital, into three pounds sterling. Your " Subscriber's" letter reminds me of what the devil said when shearing the goat, " Great cry, but little wool," for he would le?d the public, "and the mining community in particular," to believe that the Westport Hospital was driving a roaring trade at the expense of the over-taxed and over-worked miner, if his comments are true. But I distinctly state they are not. I am aware that since the Westport Hospital was placed on its present efficient footing, there has not been ten pounds received from patients. I believe five pounds would be much nearer the mark.

Sir—if I am rightly informed the object in charging patients is solely for the purpose of testing who are qualified, really destitute, .and fit objects for admission into an institution supported by the public and the Nelson Government for the benefit of the in-

■digenfc and destitute of every class and creed, and not for the provident or the loafer, who, having means, such as an account with his banker, a payable or wages claim, or any other calling, is enabled to contribute to their support. Why, Sir, if there were not some such precaution or safety-valve, the Hospital would be crowded with a class of persons whom neither the subscribers or the Government ever contemplated finding medical advice or Hospital accommodation for. The AVestport Hospital is under the management of a Committee of thirteen members, selected by the ■community at large, all of whom are solicitous and interested for the welfare of the institution and its inmates. If a man is provident he ought to hold his tongue, be thankful, fee his doctor, support the hotel-keepers, and not trouble the Hospital. If, on the other hand, he thinks he will be better cared for and looked after in the Hospital than outside, then let him pay without grumbling; for, by so doing, he will save money. He cannot live in a hotel "and fee his medical adviser under six or seven pounds per week, instead of the paltry sum he is called upon to contribute for the protection and welfare of his fellow-man, who may be in adverse circumstances from unforeseen ■difficulties. Tours most faithfully, A Subscriber. November 3, 1868.