MINISTER'S STATEMENT

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 161, 10 July 1945, Page 3

MINISTER'S STATEMENT

MATERNITY HOSPITALS "Notwithstanding a recent statement by a Christchurch medical man that it was the policy of the Government to close down all small maternity hospitals, I can state categorically that nothing that has been said, either by me or by any prominent official of the Health Department, could justify such a claim," said the Minister of Health, Mr. Nordmeyer, in a statement last night, when referring to recent remarks regarding contemplated new regulations affecting maternity hospitals. . ,

Mr. Nordmeyer added that what he told a recent deputation of obstetricians in Christchurch summed up the position. He had said then that some hospitals now licensed were definitely not up to standard and it would not altogether be a bad thing if these licenses lapsed, but there was no foundation for the suggestion that the Government as a matter of deliberate policy would be closing down maternity hospitals.

"New maternity hospitals are being licensed from time to time and ■provided • they comply with the reasonable standards laid down by the Health Department any person may apply for a new license in any part of the Dominion," the Minister continued. "On the other hand, lam bound to point out that the more complete service which can be rendered by the larger institutions controlled by hospital boards will tend to eliminate the smaller maternity homes by sheer force of competition."