HOSPITAL TESTS

Grey River Argus, 11 September 1935, Page 3

HOSPITAL TESTS

OF PATIENTS’ MEANS. For a considerable period, persons attending the Out-patient’s Department of the Wellington Hospital were required to answer questions relative t< their income and the earnings of various members of the family, and to state details of property owned by certain relatives. This “means test” has given rise to considerable objection, and the Labour members who are now in control of the Board claiming that persons in need of treatment from the hospital established for their benefit should not be subjected to the indignity of a “means test.” recently moved that it be deleted. It is worth recording that the members of tho old board who had instituted the test saw fit to vote with the Labour members on this question —but they 'waited for Labour t’o move in the matter. Treatment at the hospital is now available, in the various departments, to all persons irrespective of income. Another important measure instituted by the Labour members designed tu protect workers and others who may be concerned in compensation eases, and who were patients in the Lospita’, was the decision to prevent the patients’ hospital records being inspected by representatives of insurance companies or persons otherwise interested. In the past it has happened that the information shown on the patients' record has been used to his disadvantage. The records cannot now be uaed in this manner. The terms of employment of laundry workers at the hospital, particularly regarding payment for overtime and for work done on holidays, have caused the Labour members to move that ihe usual overtime rates and I oliday pay conditions set out in other industrial awards be adopted. The Board has# now laid it down, following a Labour member’s motion iliat those of its emp’oyees who would l.e covered by an award if working for another employer outside the hospital, s l ould be members of the appropriate trade unions. Notice of motion has been given to the effect that the Labour members# w: 1 move for a general reduction in charges for treatment in all departments of the hospital. A comprehensive list of the proposed, charges has been drawn up and is to be submitted to the Board. It is considered that the present charges entail hardship on a arge number of people, and if reduced would better enable them to meeting their commitments.