LOW HOSPITAL COSTS

Manawatu Times, Volume LII, Issue 3575, 5 April 1927, Page 8

LOW HOSPITAL COSTS

PALMERSTON NORTH'S FAVOUR. ABUE POSITION. COMMENT PROM BOARD CHAIR- « MAN, The economical manner In which the Palmerston North is be. ing managed was referred to at yesterday’s meeting of the Board by the chairman, Si r J, G. Wilson, who drew attention to the report of the Direc-tor-General of Health on the subject of hospital costs. The following have been extracted from the report:— / O -M ' W £ . w i <D <u . 10 iK > OjS t, g eg 5 P, J* . . ■*-> -4J d- o o O 0 £ Napier .. . ... 2977 36,295 12.2 Hamilton .. 2626 36,380 13:5 Palmerston Nth. 2408 20,766 /8,6 Wanganui e. 2150 26,>587 12.4 Gisborne . .. 1550 22,,385 14.4 New Plymouth . 1455 23,44'8 16.1 Whangarei /• .. 1314 16,197 12.3 Southland .. 1152 18,961' 1615 “ The cost per patient treated' Is probably the best alf-round test of the general efficiency, of the hospital;” added the chairman. The following factors must combine to give a low cost per patient treated: Economical administration,' maximum use being made of^the.existing beds, a low day’s stay. The 1925.26 figures were the last completed cost figures available, and though the 1926-27 cost statistics were not yet completed there would be very little difference in the cost figures for 1926-27 and During the past year the number of cases treated in the general wards was 2302 as against 2175 for the previous year —an increase of 127. Fortunately this increase was largely counteracted as regards the total number under treatment by the fact that the number of infectious • diseases cases was 158 as against 233 for the previous year, a decrease of 75. “ The local bodies, instead of grumbling, ought to be thankful that the Board is so economical,” concluded the chairman.