Responsibility On Local Bodies For Medical Supplies

Northern Advocate, 9 February 1942, Page 2

Responsibility On Local Bodies For Medical Supplies

The Minister for National Service has decided to grant a subsidy on E.P.S. expenditure by local authorities controlling emergency precautions services on a basis of £2 for £l. the subsidy to apply to moneys expended on or subsequent to January 1. 1942. This was disclosed at today’s meeting of the Whangarei Hospital Board, when the chairman referred to a circular addressed to chairmen of emergency precautions services. This settles a much vexed question in Whangarei as to what authority should supply the necessary equipment and drugs for emergency precautions depots. In a previous communication the beard was informed that it had no responsibility until the patient was delivered at tiro hospital door. It has been publicly stated, and the Hon. R. Semple was also publicly . informed during a recent visit to Whangarei. that hospital boards in New Zealand with the exception of the Whangarei Hospital Board, provided supplies to the respective depots. At the last meeting of the board the Department of Health informed the board it had power to supply the three depots within the borough of Whangarei and I should do so. The board decided to supply the depots in the county in addition to those within the borough. | For Local Bodies In discussing the matter at today's meeting of the board, the chairman. Mr J. A. S. Mac Kay. said that for some time the board has been endeavouring to obtain information on this matter but had not been very successful. “We now have this information, which clearly indicates that the local authorities controlling emergency precautions services, and not the board, are to provide the equipment and drugs for the respective depots. The question that was exercising my mind was who was to provide the necessary equipment and drugs, and this is now settled by the Minister's decision." The approved expenditure will embrace, continued the Minister in his letter (a) Administration expenditure including salaries of full-time E.P.S. personnel, postages, printing and stationery, etc. (not salaries of permanent local body officers who may be employed full time or part time on E.P.S. duties); (b) First aid equipment and supplies; (c) E.P.S. transport expenses: id) special equipment, viz., sirens, overalls for casualty squads, traffic | auxiliaries etc.; (c) Special works ex- ! penditure such as decontamination buildings, but excluding shelters; (f) Expenditure in connection with the running, mobilisation and billeting costs of the emergency fire service and costs incidental to dispersal of brigade personnel and equipment (payments to E.P.S. personnel for special drill parades will be paid by the Government); (g) Any other items incidental to E.P.S. activities. Will Be Eligible Continuing the Minister states that local authorities controlling emergency precautions should submit to the director as soon as possible an approximate forecast of the E.P.S. expenditure for the current quarter. The Department will exercise some control over the expenditure but controlling authorities are asked to proceed immediately with their organising activities on the understanding that any reasonable expenditure incurred will be eligible for subsidy. However in major items, such as buildings for E.P.S. purposes, prior approval should be obtained. To Rescind Resolution The chairman gave notice to move the rescinding of the resolutions carried at the last meeting of the board as follows: That the Board, after conferring with medical superintendent, peruse list and decide as to the essential items, and hold same available for E.P.S. That the sub-committee appointed act in accordance with the above resolution. That the board’s officers be instructed to order and hold available necessary medical supl plies for E.P.S. purposes in all parts of I the hospital district. Later in the board’s discussions Mr H. L. Younger raised the question as to the source of supply for the local authorities.

The chairman considered the supplies would come direct from the drug stores. Anticipating this, he had acted accordingly in connection with the requirements for the Whangarei County Council.

Mr Younger: Then that means that the beard will stand aside, and the Whangarei Borough Council and County Council will stand aside. I am concerned that no delay should take place in obtaining these supplies.