WAIKATO DISTRICT HOSPITAL

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2667, 15 August 1889, Page 2

WAIKATO DISTRICT HOSPITAL

TO TUP. KIHTOR. Sir, —In common with many of your readers, when the suggestion to raise the doctor's salary and make him resident at the hospital first came to the knowledge of the ratepayers, it was quite natural that the idea should not find favour. The argument that the hospital professional work had been carried nut s itisfactorily for £300 a year and, therefore, why the necessity for increasing the expenditure in this direction 'I was the question raised, and with very good reason. There is, however, one phase of the question, and I am surprised that IJr, Kenny's letter to the Board last week did not enlarge upon it, and indeed, make it the substantial reason for his proposal. It is that under proper regulations for the treatment of cases, well-to-do people desirous of obtaining medical treatment at the Hospital should be admitted, and would pay we 1 for such service. J'urther, a scale of charges for the treatment of out-patients, also, in a position to pay fairly remunerative charges could be introduced, there would also bo a saving in many departments at the Hospital, due to the active and constant supervision of the resident Medical Officer. A sum from these sources, exceeding the addition to the doctor's salary, would, 1 feel sure, accrue to the revenue of the Hospital. This view of the situation is by no means a too sanguine one, and if, on consideration, the feasibility of it should be shown, it would certainly bo worth a trial, f trust when this matter comes up for further consideration it will be carefully looked into, and if it can be found that the district can obtain greater efficiency at a less cost it should certainly be embraced.— Yours, &c., Ratepayer.