HOSPITAL POLICY

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 103, 4 May 1931, Page 8

HOSPITAL POLICY

In previous municipal elections there has been little interest in the Hospital Board policy. Ratepayers and contributing authorities have complained of the rising cost of the hospital and charitable aid institutions, but have shown no keen desire to change the personnel of the controlling authority. In consequence, boards have been elected with a mixed membership. There have always been some men and women of capacity and experience—some with almost lifelong experience—but associated with them have been others whose qualifications were unknown. There has not been the strength in the Board membership that the importance of the work and its cost to the community, have warranted. There is an opportunity now to effect an improvement. Several of the candidates for the Board have taken the trouble to discuss hospital affairs thoroughly and to place a comprehensive policy before the electors. The two medical candidates — Dr. Campbell Begg and Dr. Macdonald Wilson—especially, have submitted proposals for reorganisation of the Board's work with a view lo greater efficiency and economy in administration. It should be clearly understood lhat they do not seek to impose a medical dictatorship— certainly not (as has been suggested in some quarters) to hand hospital control to the British Medical Association. What they propose is that expert knowledge should be freely used for the benefit of all who use or pay for the hospital. Their aim is sound business management, closely allied with expert guidance on all technical questions. This does not involve reducing the public share of the control or depriving the public of benefits. It means that the'greatest benefits will be given at the most reasonable cost —with no waste or loss from overlapping or inefficiency. An expensive expansion policy is not suggested. Therein lies the. greatest difference between the proposals of these candidates and those advanced by candidates of the Labour Party. The Hospital Board platform of the Labour Party is, in many respects, attractive, if this were a lime when greater expenditure could be contemplated. It is not such a time, and if the Labour policy were endorsed it would inevitably lead to increased demands for funds from the ratepayers. We do not think such a policy should be endorsed, though we admit that it is desirable and just that Labour Party experience should be available to the Board, and an opportunity should be given for discussing the Labour platform at the Board table. Great expansion cannot, however, be sanctioned. This is rather a time to submit administration and organisation, to a close scrutiny, so that the benefits at present given may be retained while yet effecting a reduction in the cost. We do not doubt lhat ihe electors will see the wisdom of this course and will support strongly the effort that is being made to strengthen the Hospital Board.