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Hokitika Guardian, 19 November 1932, Page 4

It .is stated by a Wellington correspondent that several important changes in hospital policy will be contained in an amending measure to be introduced at an early date. It is understood the- measure will provide machinery for bringing about- changes in the number of hospital districts, either by the amalgamation of certain district:? or by the alteration of ‘boundaries which will ensure that there is greater community of interest between the local bodies forming the hospital district than exists in some parts of the Dominion a-t present. It is .gathered th'at the measure will provide for the appointment of a Commission consisting of a magistrate in any instance where -alterations are- proposed, and 1 this Commission will be required to furnish a recommendation to the Minister. , In the light of any such recommendation, a- proposal may be rejected or by Orderi n - Cou nc i 1 the readjustment applied for may be made. Authority will, it is understood, be conferred on the Director-General of Health to require a Hospital Board, where necessary, to provide maternity services within their own districts. Many hospital l boards already make provision for maternity eases. Others question the right of the Department to insist upon the provision cf these facilities. The Bill will seek also to overcome a. difficulty at present experienced in the collection of hospital fees from patients who have been awarded special damages in accident cases. The present restrictions relative to member® of bo'ardis who are also contractors are- to be- amended. The Bill, it is reported, will allow members to tender up- to £lO for any one contract, and up to f-25 in any one year, without being disqualified from member-shin n r rendered ineligible from standing. Another clause, it is understood, will deal with the accounts, of separate institutions, and will provide that, with the approval of the Minister. thei-e institutions mav incur bank overdrafts to a certain figure.