HOSPITAL FEES.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 78, 1 April 1922, Page 5

HOSPITAL FEES.

(To the Editor.) Sir,—in reference to the fees collected ■by the Auckland Hospital Board from those who become patients in the Auckland Hospital, one would infer from the information which was published in your columns recently, that the Friendly Societies of Auckland were paying -Sees at a less rate per day than the general public. 1 am sure the person who conveyeel that information did not intend such an interpretation to be placed on his statement, because he must 'be well aware that the Friendly Societies of Aucklanel have 'been paying hospital fees at a higher rate than have the general public. Some years ago a contract was entered into 'between the Hospital Board and Friendly Societies, whereby it was agreed that the fees payable by the latter would be 2/3 per day for adults and 1/1* per day for children under 18 years of age. When that agreement was made, the payments of the Auckland' pulblie -did not average 1/1* per day for aehilts and children. It should be noted that the Auckland Hospital Boa-rd at that time collected fees at a higher rate than the Wellington, Christchurch or Duncdin Boards, "i'otir informant is careful not to state how much per day is collected from patients at the present time. 1 shall be greatly surprised if it approaches anything " like 2/:5 per day. Why the Friendly Society member should Ibe expected •to pay more than those who, while belonging to the same class of the community, have made no provision to j meet the claims of sickness, accident and death, is a problem which is not I easy of solution.—l am. etc.. JOHN McL'EOD.