THE HOSPITALS BILL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18019, 18 February 1922, Page 10

THE HOSPITALS BILL.

TO APPEAR NEXT SESSION.

REASONS FOR THE DELAY.

ALTERATIONS PROMISED.

Asked last evening what his intentions were in regard to the Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Amendment Bill, which appeared on the Order Paper for tho last day of the session, the Minister for Health, the Hon. C. J, Parr, said that unfortunately the long debates toward the end of the session over the Arbitration Act Amendment and the Public Service retrenchment had prevented him from bringing in his Bill. It would have to stand over until next session, when it would be introduced early. "Objection was taken," he. proceeded, "to the set of clauses providing for more stringent inspection of private hospitals and to the requirement that these institutions shall have proper sanitary and sterilising equipment, which many of them lack to-day. One or two branches of the British Medical Association objected to these clausos. As the association will meet in Wellington at the end of this month, I shall welcome the opportunity of placing before it the naturo of the proposals, which aro but imperfectly understood by theso one or two branches. We hope- thus to ascertain the opinion of tbe medical profession. In any event, I shall ask Parliament to express an opinion on tho necessity of better supervision of private institutions. "Some private hospitals in New Zealand are as well conducted as any in tho world, but there are others abcut which we receive many complaints. The ordinarv sanitary and hygienic rules are violated" Tho nurses and assistants work very long hours, and in somo institutions are provided for poorly. Improvements could bo mado in many of them with lit'Jo expense. The department is merely seeking to protect the members of the public who pay good fees and are entitled to proper treatment. "Tho clause giving the Minister power to veto appointments will not be intro duced, but the department will ask for the right to offer advice upon applicants for the main positions. This will not inelude the honorary staff. From the de- j partmental point of view the most im- j portant clause will be that which will require hospital boards to send in their estimates before t|ie end of April in each year. At present some are (Ktrcmely slow and negligent, with the result that the estimates do not reach the department in sufficient time to allow the departmental officers to framo tho estimates lor Parliament. Embarrassment and confusion result. No businesslike board will object to sending in its estimates within reasonable time."