HOSPITAL FEES OVERDUE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3711, 21 December 1912, Page 8

HOSPITAL FEES OVERDUE.

'DISCUSSION AT HOSPITAL BOAPD. The vexed question of overdue Hospital fees cropped tip at last night’s meeting of the Hospital Board. Mr Howard Ken way, in the chair, stated that it was quite apparent that too many people were discharged from the Hospital without paying the fees due. He was of opinion that an officer, a junior secretary,, perhaps, should be stationed at the Hospital so as to meet patients being discharged and see that some arrangement as to paying was come to. Dr. Wilson said this could probably be worked by a man being stationed there at the hour of discharge, 2 p.m. Mr Kenway said something must be done, as it was quite evident that the Hospital was not-being run proper] v as a business proposition. Mr -Tex-Blake asked if it was not a fact that the Board passed a resolution to summon all defaulters. Mr Kenway said that it was. tremendous the amount outstanding, which sometimes amounted to s "

The secretary pointed out that it was almost useless to send out notices, as he had found out.

Mr Kenway asked if it were possible to recover 20 per cent, of tlio money overdue? The secretary: No. Mr Ken way : Ten per cent? The secretary: I doubt it. Dr. Wilson pointed out the floating population in this district, which was largely responsible for the fees overdue. Single men were the chief defaulters. Their .sick allowance of about £1 a week for “medical expenses” was untouchable. The secretary said that the charge was 3s per day. At tins the matter dropped.