HOSPITAL FINANCE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 58, 5 February 1938, Page 5

HOSPITAL FINANCE

SYSTEM CRITICISED. DISCUSSION AT WOODVILLE. A discussion on hospital finance took place at the monthly meeting of the Woodvillo County Council yesterday, when a letter was read from the Dannevirke Hospital Board directing attention to the proposal to borrow a further £19,000 for building additions. It was generally agreed that the growing burden of hospital rating required adjustment. The building additions are: —(a) Women’s ward to accommodate 36 beds. (1>) Additionil accommodationffor nurses, (c) Administration block, (d) Accommodation for 10 obstetrical beds, (e) Cold storage accommodation. The letter also stated that tho hoard, with the concurrence of the Department of Health, had accepted a tender of £35,215 for the erection of the buildings and. also a boiler of £3138 10s for heating same. Cr. Morgan said it was certain that the proposed work would affect the ratepayers, but thcro was no doubt that the work had to go on. It was a pity that the building costs had increased so much. Ho added that the board’s band had been forced by the Health Department, and that if the work was necessary two years ago it was necessary to-day. He also stated that he was still of the opinion that the present method of financing hospitals was wrong. Cr. Cattanach said he noticed that the position was much the same in the Palmerston North Hospital district. Cr. Peebles: We favoured this work two years ago. Who is responsible for the delay ? Cr. Morgan: The delay has certainly cost the ratepayers a. lot of extra money because of increased cost and, as far as I can see, some of the delay was duo to red tape. Cr. Peebles said that a bigger hospital would mean an increased staff and higher salaries. Cr. Morgan: I think that the nursing staff should have better pay for the work they are required to do. Had this job been done two years_ ago it could have been done for £25.000. Cr. Galloway. The time will come when the hospital rate is going to be bigger than the general rate. Cr. Drnce : That will mean that the roads will have to be neglected.

Cr. Morgan: That just goes to prove that tho method of financing our hospitals is wrong.