HOSPITAL BOARDS ASSOCIATION

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 261, 4 August 1928, Page 13

HOSPITAL BOARDS ASSOCIATION

CHARGES FOR TREATMENT

The executive committee of the Hospital Boards’ Association met yesterday, Mr. W. Wallace (Auckland) presiding. Members also present were Messrs. F. Gillanders (Hawera), W. E. SI Knight (Otago), C. M. Luke (Wellington), John Matheson (Southland), Hon. W. 11. McIntyre, M.L.C. (Buller), J. H. McCarroll (Kaipara), and H. J. Otlcy (North Canterbury). Intimation was received from the Minister of Health (Hon. J. A. Young) that endeavour would be made to bring down this session an amendment to the Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Act embodying most of the proposals put forward by the association, including provision to assume a minimum subsidy of 14s. per fl of levies, and power to dispose of unclaimed property. The Minister stated that the proposal that contributions through medical and nursing associations should carry subsidy, even though the contributors received concessions in charges for treatment, could not be agreed to, as it would add a further complication to the’ question of subsidy on voluntary contributions. A resolution arising out of a conference of local authorities, chambers of commerce, and other bodies in the King Country in regard to the system of hospital rating was received, the executive committee being of opinion that the ques-

tion was not within its powers to (lea with.

Correspondence with regard to prisoners in hospitals was received, including a proposal made by the Prisons Department that reduced charges should be made to the Department on the lines of agreements with friendly societies and other associations promoting hospital bed schemes.-

It was agreed that the latter arrangements were not on a parallel, and boards had without exception replied that a concession could not be agreed to. It was stated that since the previous meeting one new hospital bed scheme had been reported as having been established, members contributing 255. each per annum to the hospital board with the right of free treatment. Correspondence was also dealt with in

regard to children under the care of the Education Department admitted to hospital, the Department disclaiming liability, for maintenance fees where the children were merely under the Department’s supervision, and not committed to its direct charge. It was resolved to notify boards concerned of the position, the executive not being prepared, without the direction .of a conference, to ask the Government to alter its policy in this connection. Renewed representations are also to be 'made with a view to ensuring that compensation in respect of hospital expenses i . industrial accident cases should be paid over to hospital authorities. A series of recommendations were submitted by the council of matrons. One. dealing with the introduction of central linen stocks, and one relating to nursing staff hours of duty was endorsed. A proposal that a fourth year course of training be made eumpulsory, another that pupil nurses in small training schools should have six months in a grade I or II hospital, and one that provision be made if possible for trainees to take a short period at district nursing, were referred to the forthcoming conference. Similar action was taken in regard to a proposal that nurses in private practice be given an opportunity of obtaining refresher courses. It was decided to recommend to the next general conference that hospital boards should adopt the uniform charge for ordinary maintenance and treatment in general hospitals of 12s. per day for adults and 6s. per diem for children.

Further consideration of the executive committee’s recommendations regard-

ing tuberculosis measures was deferred until an opportunity had been given of studying the report of the special medical committee appointed by the 'Minister of Health. Other mutters considered included correspondence affecting the association’s constitution and finances.

The executive decided upon March 12. 1929. for the date of the next general conference, which is to be held at Palmerston North. Remits are to be asked for by December 10. in order to allow them to be fully considered by boards before the conference. ,