OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT DELAYS. ECONOMICS AND ILLNESS.

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 98, 27 April 1935, Page 11

OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT DELAYS.

ECONOMICS AND ILLNESS.

Mrs. Marshall Mac Donald, who is contesting a seat on the Hospital Board, said that from her long experience of nursing and hospital work in New Zealand and overseas she knew v/ell the delays and serious results of those delays in the outpatient departments of all hospitals. In England during recent years much more attention had been given to outpatient treatment and a trial was now being made of the "appointment system" as a means whereby long waits and delays might be avoided. Many who were suffering from minor ailments or injuries hesitated to go for treatment, knowing that they might have to wait long hours, and their neglqct often meant the gradual development of serious illness and then treatment as an inpatient. More attention to the outpatient department might well be expected to . bring ; about considerable relief to occupied hospital beds. In London, said Mrs. Mac Donald, a trial was being made of night outpatient clinics "for those who were engaged in industry and could not obtain time off or would not ask ~for time off to attend in the daytime; ■ Mr. G. J. Reid and Mr. H. L. Nathan, also candidates for the Hospital Board, spoke of the merits of the standardisation of purchases, the need for experienced business men in the direction of the hospital, and staff matters.

Mr. L. Hennessey, a Labour candidate for ttie Hospital Board, commented upon the last meeting of the Hospital Board when the estimates for the coming year were submitted and passed. He contended that a large proportion of the £43,863 increase for the

coming year was simply payment for the so-called economy of the last few years. Had more money been spent then ; loss would be needed; now, and some hardship would have been avoided. The number of out-patients last year increased by over 2000, and the average number of beds occupied increased from 534 to 640. Outdoor relief cases increased by 19 per cent. These increases, he believed, were due to the poverty, hardship, and worry imposed upon so many people by the economic conditions. Much of this could have been avoided if the guiding authorities had possessed a broader vision instead of holding to the idea of economy at any cost. One member of the Hospital Board had stated that "the administration had rightly made certain so-called economies. They had always been directed to getting down to a basic state, and 'then moving up." "Well," said Mr. Hennessey, "the cost of administra-. tibn is certainly 'moving up.'" The j same member had also said, "The public will" criticise the increase..but they know /very little of-'the workings of the hospital." "Is it not iime," said Mr. Hennessey, "that the public knew.J a little more of the workings of the' hospital? I hope to have .the opportunity of imparting it after the election." : , ■'•";.•