SMALLER HOSPITALS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21110, 18 February 1932, Page 10

SMALLER HOSPITALS.

CENTRALISATION OPPOSED. OPINION IN HAWKE'S BAY. [BV TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION. J WAIPUKURAU, Wednesday. In opposition to the move of the Wellington Hospital Board lo reduce the number of hospital districts to 18 and also to reduce the number of base hospitals, the chairman of the Waipawa Hospital Board, serving Central Hawke's Bay, circularised the contributing authorities, the Wairoa and Dannevirke Boards and also tho chambers of commerce, and tho members of Parliament concerned, with a view to an organised protest against centralisation. It is contended that the country boards can maintain their institutions as cheaply as the metropolitan boards as the Waipukurau and Dannovirke figures show. It is considered there would also be a disservice to local patients if the suggested change were made. DISFAVOUR IN TARANAKI. PROPOSAL NOT PRACTICABLE. - [BY TELEGRAPH.—rfiESS ASSOCIATION.] NEW PLYMOUTH. Wednesday. The changes in hospital control suggested by Dr. R. Campbell Begg, of Wellington, met with little support at the meeting of tho Taranaki Hospital Board, but they will be further considered. Although the opinion was expressed that centralisation would be economical, the meeting considered that, from Taratiaki's point of view, the suggested change would not be practicable, as it would involve great expenditure in the extension of the New Plymouth Hospital and the loss of the well-equipped Ilawcra and Stratford Hospitals. The increase in the travelling expenses from places already having a good service was stressed.