HOSPITAL SYSTEM

Evening Star, Issue 21037, 26 February 1932, Page 11

HOSPITAL SYSTEM

* DISCUSSION BY HOSPITAL BOARD CONFERENCE OF BOARDS SUGGESTED Correspondence was read at the meeting of tne Hospital Board last night on the subject of the recent proposed change in the hospital system of the dominion. The Chairman (Mr W. E. S. Knight) said he could assure members that there was no possibility of the matter coming before the present emergency session of Parliament. Mr Quelch said he hoped the members of the board would have an opportunity of discussing the details of the subject before it was discussed by a conference of Hospital Boards. The chairman replied in the affirmative. Mr Quelch said there was a lot to be said in favour of reducing the number of hospital districts. They knew the boards had been increased m both political and parochial interests, x.ow the time had been forced on them by economic conditions when the position should be reviewed. In reviewing the position they should be just as careful as they were when the hospital districts were extended. Mr Dove asked if there was any possibility ’of the Economic Commission iiearing evidence on the proposal. If such were the case they should have delegates ready to give evidence. Personally, he was very much opposed to any of the proposals of Dr Campbell Begg as far as Otago was concerned. As a representative of the public, he thought they should watch every step very very carefully. Mr Gallavvay said he did not agree with Mr Dove. He did not think they had sufficient data before them to be able to say whether they approved of the proposed change or not. If it were shown the scheme were for the betterment of the patients and the public, he would approve of it. He did not think they should enter into a discussion at present. The, Secretary said he had seen the secretary of the Hospital Boards’ Association, who would take action if the matter came before the Economy Commission. Mr M'Lennan said that Mr Dove had not expressed the opinion of all the members of the board, Mr Scurr: I have seen nothing against it yet. It was decided to approve of a recommendation of the Palmerston North Board that before any proposal was considered by Parliament the matter should be investigated by a joint conference of boards.