ADVICE AWAITED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 51, 1 March 1941, Page 5

ADVICE AWAITED.

HOSPITAL SERVICE.

OUT-PATIENT TREATMENT.

" It seems that they are making two bites at a cherry,"' said the chairman of the Auckland Hospital Board, Mr. Allan J. Moody, this morning, in stating that the board \va« awaiting official advice in connection with the. announcement by the Minister of Health, the Hon. A. 11. Xordnu-yer, that certain free services for out-patients at public hospitals would be available a* from to-day. Mr. Moody pointed out that tin? *oi - \ ices being lmvcii at the Auckland Hospital were already fully taxed, and he furesiiw the board being faced with greater expense, to provide more accommodation and technicians. Increased expense would full on the general taxpayer. Mr. Moody pointed out that it was impossible for anyone at the. moment to estimate, the added coste. There were several departments already overtaxed, ibis including X-ray and electrocardiographic work, and free service to outpatients could, at the present time, only add to a long waiting list.

Mr. Moody said the board was in- \ oi-tigatmjr the matter as far as services at the Auckland Hospital were, concerned, and when there was further information a more detailed survey of ilic outlook could be made.