PUBLIC MEDICAL SERVICE.

Northern Advocate, 10 February 1920, Page 2

PUBLIC MEDICAL SERVICE.

HOSPITAL'S ACTIVITY j EXTENDED. i

I- 1 AR-RE A CHIN U POLICY

ADOPTED

A mosi- interesting discussion too'; place yesterday at a meeting of tlr; Whangarei Hospital Board, when Vv provision 01 medical assistance to Waipu was under review. It would appear that Waipu is now without resident medical assistance, and th J the settlers involvd are keenly anxous that some arrangement might b 1 made by which che district would be served by the hospital authorities. As detailed below, the case was variously and clearly presented by the deputation from Waipu, and important proposals wore adopted. Mr Ellis, chc* chairman of tho board, introduced the deputation.. which consisted of Major Chaplaii. McDonald, and Messrs D. H. McKenzie and J. R. McLean. Mr J. R. McLean, as chairman of the Waipu committee, briefly urg<~d the importance of ithe subject, stating that : -he needs were well known, and that the members of the deputation were ready to answer any questions. Mr McKenzie stated that the por.i tion **> far as medical assistance was concerned, had been very unsatisfac lory lor the last six moniths. If the board could supply a medical practitioner, and also have a supply of medicines in Waipu, it would be a great help. He stated thajt the medical practice was said to be worth from £500 to £600 per year. They haa hau the services of Dr Russell, and later, unlt.il recently, Yeldharu. The local medical club had contributed largely to the doctor's income. The usual fees had been 10s for a visit and 5s for a consultation. Dr Frazer'.iurst said ithat there wore many preventable 'diseases, which an out-door medical service could deal with. He read from t>.o Hospital Act t0 the effect Ithat it was the duty of the board to make provision for assistant surgeons for outpatients, free only in necessitous cases. The board had the power to appoint medical officers, the Minister for Health paying £ for £ subsidy on wha,t the board paid. The fully qualified junior doctor went to the couity district temporarily, as an officer of the hospital sitaff. The department was prepared to supply the mediril help needed.. Mr Mclnnos: The £ for £ is worth picking up. Dr Frazerhurst notified ithat twa resident doctors would bo necessary, one working outside, the other inside the institution. Mr D. H. McKenzie stressed the urgent need of medical assistance during the winter months. Tho Rev. Angus McDonald expressed graitutude to the board for the consideration shown, and desired to come to an agreement, giving facts and figures. The Waipu Club would guarantee £150, and the fees of 8s per visit, 4s for consultation, and £2 2s fm* confinements He , understood that Dr Frengley said that hospitnl boards could apply for money for ithe erection of a Louse, so long as it was under the control of the Whangarei Hospital. That was what was wan--jd.

The hospital medical superintendent then read from the Government Act the clause giving power to hospl *al boards to erect houses. The County Council had power to act. Mr Mclnnes: The council wouM need to have the land. The Rev. McDonald said he thought that 'he land recently used by the public school could be obtained. He was very desirous of having in writing the terms under which the board 1 would take action as detailed, so tint all inquiries from Waipu residents J could be clearly answered. The clerk of the board agreed to write thatfc day giving the required terms. Mr Mclnnes moved that the offers of the deputation be accepted. Mr A. G. MacKenzie seconded the motion, which was unanimously endorsed. Mr Steele said that it was possible that other districts would make similar applications. • The opinion was general that if the local districts agreed to guarantee assistance similar to that whi.'li Waipu was giving, the matter would be facilitated. Mr McLean: If the people do not pay, the board should sue them. The Rev. McDonald suggested, with amusement as well as conviction: "Send a letter in red ink." Mr McLean thought i,t would be a good plan to have the scheme for the Waipu doctor and nurse unter one comprehensive plan. He thanked tho board for the sympathetic hearing and decision. Mr D. H. McKenzie made it quite clear that Waipu did not want to wait for the appointment of a doctor until the house was erected. Arrangements could be made t 0 accommodate the doctor appointed. After (thanking the board, the de- ' putation withdrew. ''