NURSING SERVICE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 95, 22 March 1932, Page 3

NURSING SERVICE

QUESTION OF SUBSIDY.

HOSPITAL BOARD’S POSITION.

Representations were recently made to the Minister of Health (Hon. J. A. Young) by Messrs J. K. Hornblow and J. A. Nash, M.P., on behalf of the Palmerston North Hospital Board regarding the district nursing service and a letter in regard to thesubject was read at yesterday’s meeting of the board “Further consideration has been given to the representations made,” the Minister advised. “It is found, however, that modification of your present arrangements’ with regard to this district nursing service is necessary if the board, is tq continue to claim a subsidy on donations made through the nursing* and to pay the nurse out of its ordinary funds. It is recommended that the board follow the procedure contained in the department’s circular, and after fixing a scale of fees for attendance by the nurse, require accounts to be raised against those patients whom the nurse reports as able to pay. The value of other attendances should be formally written off by the board from time to time. As an alternative tho board might consider making a direct grant under Section 85 of the Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Act to each of the nursing associations’, leaving them to pay the salary and expenses of the nurse.” Mr Nash expressed tho opinion that the board was not being asked to take over full responsibility for the nursing service, but merely to see that accounts were submitted in all cases. “But the district nurse does not deal with any besides those who are in indigent circumstances,” stated the chairman (Mr J. K. Homblow). Mr Nash said the departmental circular received previously had practically demanded that the board should take over tho district nursing service, but lie considered that tho latest communication received defining the board’s position was the outcomo of tho interview with the Minister. “I don’t think so,” said Mr A. E. Mansford. “I do not place tho same construction upon it.” Mr Nash said that if tho board took over tho service it would probably lessen tho public support which had been so continuous and valuable, and had saved the board a great deal of expenditure. “Is it not mandatory that the board shall take over the district nursing under the conditions laid down if we are to receive the benefit of certain grants?” asked Mr Mansford. “If we don’t we may be losing money.” “AVe have to qualify for the subsidy by complying with the conditions laid down by tlxe Health Department,” stated the managing-secretary (Mr A. J. Phillipps). Mr Nash : I do not read it that way.

The managing-secretary' said it was an affirmation of the principle that public service should not be provided free. Mr AV. Howell agreed with Mr Nash that no material alteration would be involved in working the service, except that accounts must be rendered. ACCOUNTS NECESSARY. The chairman said accounts must be rendered, whether there was ability to pay or not, after which the circumstances of each case would have to lie considered on its merits in determining the financial obligations to be met by patients. Mr Mansford: AVhat is in the best interests of the board ? The managing-secretary: To carry ,on as at present and charge fees. It is necessary to comply with the departmental conditions by rendering all accounts in future. “I would like to be perfectly satisfied that the board will not be increasing its liability by this method of dealing with the matter,” said Mr Mansford. “Let us get out of it in the cheapest way we can.” The managing-secretary said the third possibility could be a compromise by charging just as for hospital patients the circumstances of each case to be considered subsequently. “AVe do not want toi increase our fiancial liability,” stated the chairman, “or stultify the good work which the nursing committees are doing in Palmerston North and Feilding, but we have to comply with the regulations. I would be sorry to see the committees disbanded and a grant made by the board.” The board agreod to await the outcome of a further interview with the Minister by Mr Nash before making any definite decision which might prejudice the work being carried out.