INFIRMARY CASES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22818, 27 August 1937, Page 15

INFIRMARY CASES

ACCOMMODATION TAXED OLD MEN ASKED TO LEAVE EXPLANATION BY CHAIRMAN The dual function of the Epsom Infirmary in catering for the indigent sick as well as the aged was stressed by the chairman of the Auckland Hospital Board, tho Rev. W. C. Wood, in replying yesterday to criticism voiced by a correspondent of the The writer contended that some of tho old men in the original Costlev building had been turned out to make room for another hospital ward. The correspondent recalled that the infirmary was originally known as the Costlev Home for the Aged. After it had been taken over bv tho Hospital Board additional buildings were erected as infirmary wards and a few years ago the name was changed to the Auckland Infirmary. For some time there had been apparent a tendency for its activities ns an infirmary or hospital to overshadow its function as a home for the aged and it had como to his knowledge that some of the old men inhabiting the original Costloy building had now been turned out to make room for another hospital ward. Peeling Among Old People " I hare reason to believe," he continued, " that- this has aroused resentment and uneasiness among the old people at the infirmary. In view of the purpose for which tho institution was first established it looks suspiciously like a breach of trust—moral, if not legal. In any case it is a cruel thing that old men, who must naturally have assumed that they were sure of a home for the rest of their lives, should bo turned out into tho street at a few days' notice to shift for themselves. " It will not he to the credit of our city if we can find no other way than this of providing for our sick," the correspondent added, " and I submit that tho Hospital Board owes to the public a full explanation of its action in the matter. If it is impossible to arrange for the reinstatement of these men, steps should at least be taken without delay to obviate the necessity for any further expulsions." Board's Attitude Stated Commenting on the correspondent's statements, Mr. Wood said the board was loaded with the responsibility of providing adequato accommodation and care for the indigent sick as well as for those who were aged but not ill. The infirmary had for some time been very crowded and to-day there were only two vacant beds, which could bo filled several times over. " We have been faced with a rapidly increasing demand from the indigent sick, and the board, rightly or wrongly, regards the care of this class as being its first duty," Mr. Wood continued. " In order to meet this exceptionally heavy demand at tho moment it has been found necessary to ask some four or five able-bodied men who are in receipt of pensions to find accommodation outside. " This we have done very reluctantly as we realise tho disappointment involved in asking an old man to make fresh arrangements, but, as these men are all able to get about and to care for themselves, it seemed tho only reasonable thing to do. It must be remembered that sick elderly women are often in a desperate plight."