“PERFECT FARCE”

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20526, 9 April 1941, Page 5

“PERFECT FARCE”

RUSH ON HOSPITAL OUT-PATIENT BENEFITS "It is the greatest farce in the world." said the chairman of the Auckland Hospital Board, Mr. Allan J. Moody, at the board’s meeting last week when a circular letter was received from the .Health Department explaining the new regulations on hospital out-patient benefits under the Social Security Act. "People are going up to the hospital with cut fingers and boils —things that a man's wife or sister ought to be able to attend to,” said Mr. Moody. "It is a perfect farce, and I am having a return made about it."

A Member: They will be wanting their tram fares next.

In 'its final paragraph the circular letter stated that probably some hospital boards would kick accommodation to meet the increased demands that would normally follow the introduction of free out-patient treatment. “In some instances, therefore,” the letter continued, "it is anticipated that a board may have to regulate the demands. Where it is clearly necessary to do so it is suggested that a rule be made that out-patient services, excepi in case of emergency, shall be obtainable by appointment only.

"The procedure under which outpatients are required to make initial application through the outdoor relief officer, or otherwise have to submit to an examination of their financial status, should be avoided as being inconsistent with the spirit of the legislation governing these benefits." The letter was received.