HOSPITAL TREATMENT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 11 April 1929, Page 9

HOSPITAL TREATMENT

AND FRIENDLY SOCIETIES SCHEME PROPOSED TO NELSON BOARD A deputation, consisting of Mr P. Cookfi and Mr Baxter, representing the Nelson United Friendly Societies' Council waited on tlie Hospital Board yesterday and placed a proposed hospital benefit scheme before the members. The chairman (Mr T. Neale) said a scheme had been considerably discussed at hospital board conferences. He understood that previously proposals had been made to the Board by an individual society, but the Board hud declined to deal with one society. However, he understood that the deputation represented the united societies in Nelson. Mr Cooke read the proposed scheme, which in effect was that subject to the payment of :is per member per quarter lor not less than 250 members they and their wives, and children under 10 years of age, should be given free hospital treatment. Mr Cooke added that he understood similar schemes were in operation in every other hospital district in the Dominion, Mr Baxter said the scheme had been adopted by the Wairau Board. All the societies in Nelson were unanimous on the matter. In reply to Mr TunniclilTe, it was stated that the lodge* would guarantee the payments of its members. The chairman said he was sure the Board had an interest with any local body or society that could make provision for looking after the sick. Any arrangement made with the society must be applicable to any other body which might desire to come under the scheme. lie hoped the members of the deputation and also members of the Board would realise that one day in the hospital cost 15s, and the Board charged 9s. The scheme proposed to treat friendly society members at the rate of 12s a year. This was an important point for consideration. Whatever the Board might do, must be on an ordinary business basis at a price per diem for service rendered. On what basis the charge was to be made was for the Board to decide. The chairman assured the deputation that the Board would do its best to meet its wishes, and devise some suitable basis of charge. It was deemed advisable that the new Board should deal with the master, which was deferred until the 'June meeting on the motion of Messrs Hewetson and Spiers.