SHOULD HOSPITAL BOARDS GIVE INFORMATION ?

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue LXXIV, 29 August 1919, Page 4

SHOULD HOSPITAL BOARDS GIVE INFORMATION ?

WELLINGTON, Aug. 29. The question of the right of a contributing bodv to enquire regarding^ individual patients treated and names, addresses, and actual expenditure per head was discussed by the Wellington Hospital Board, on the motion to rescind a previous resolution refusing such information to the Lower Hutt Borough Council. It was argued that the local authority was best able to judge whether a person should be allowed to go without paying fees. On the other hand it was argued that the board should guard the feelings of those receiving free hospital treatment or charitable aid. They should not give any opening that would permit children being jibed at for their parents' misfortunes. Finally it pointed out that the information sought was not ascertainable anyway, and the motion rejected.