SECURITY BENEFITS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21899, 18 December 1945, Page 4

SECURITY BENEFITS

MEMORIAL HOME INMATES

TRUST ACCOUNT SYSTEM

A new system involving the setting aside of £ 1 per month in a trust account for each inmate of the Memorial Home, as suggested by the Hospital Boards Association in consequence of the 5s per week increase in social security benefits payable to inmates of charitable institutions, was adopted by the Cook Hospital Board at its meeting yesterday. The association advised that of the £8 13s 4d benefit allowed each inmate £5 12s 6d should be retained by the board to provide accommodation, meals and living for the inmate and £2 Os lOd should be allowed the beneficiary. The other £1 should be set aside in monthly allotments in a trust account which could be paid to the inmate at Christmas time each year or upon discharge. In needy circumstances a maximum of £3 could be paid from the account before the end of the year or when the patient left. This system was adopted by the board after a short discussion when it was generally agreed that the 5s per week increase would best be used in the beneficiary’s interest in this way. Mr. H. D. Cooper asked what the position would be in the event of an inmate dying? It was explained that in this case the trust account would be used for funeral expenses if need be and the balance would be paid out as tlm inmate willed it. The question of the replacement of worn suits and clothes for the inmates of the home was raised and the manag-ing-secretary, Mr. C. A. Harries, said that when an inmate’s clothing was worn beyond use and the inmate could not replace the articles, these were supplied by the hospital. There were difficulties in Die way at present in regard to suits and some inmates had left just after receiving new clothing, but where there was real need then the clothing was replaced by the hospital.