OTAKI HOSPITAL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 254, 17 February 1921, Page 5

OTAKI HOSPITAL.

CONTROVERSY SETTLED AT LAST.

Tlio long drawn-out controversy over the Otaki Hospital has at last been settled. At this morning's meeting of the Palmerston North Hospital Board a letter was received from Dr. Valinrine, Director-General of Health, who stated that at Hie recent conference on the subject the representatives of the Palmerston North Board hud expressed their willingness to pay a suitable maintenance rate for all patients admitted to the Otaki Hospital from the Palmerston North district, provided that the Health Department maintained and controlled the hospital. He. desired to bring the, following figures under the notice of the Board before making an offer:—The cost of ordinary maintenance of patients at the Otaki Hospital for the year ending March 31, 1919, was 8s per day; for the year ending March 31, 1920, 10s per day. The latter figure was due partly to the fact that the number of patients admitted to the Otaki Hospital from the northern part of the Horowhonua district, diminished, causing diminution accordingly in the average number of occupied beds, and partly to the gradual increase which had taken place in the cost of foodstuff, drugs, dressings, fuel, salaries. etc., during the quarter in question. The following offer was now made:—"That the Palmerston North Hospital Board pay the Health Department a maintenance rate of 9s per day for cadi patient admitted to the Otaki Hospital'from the Palmerston Norlh hospital district." The writer went on to explain thai the Board would receive the hospital maintenance levy which it collected from the Dorowhcnuu district, with the Government subsidy, and, in addition, the fees collected from patients admitted to Otaki Hospital. Dr. Whitakcr considered thai the arrangement was a satisfactory one, as the Board would bo relieved of any responsibility in the management of the hospital.

"The only point is whether we should pay the 9s?" said Sir James Wilson.

The secretary observed that tho cost of maintenance of a patient in the Palmerston North Hospital was about, 9s 3jd per day. He also explained thai tho charge in the Otalci Hospital for a patient was 6a a day. Sir James Wilson said the subsidy for the Horowhcnua district would be greatly increased under the next valuation. Dr. Whitaker moved Unit the offer be accepted and this was agreed to. On the motion of the chairman, the, thanks of the Hoard were passed to Messrs Hornblow and Vincent for having pressed the matter so far and general satisfaction was expressed at tho satisfactory outcome.