HOSPITAL FINANCES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23621, 3 April 1940, Page 8

HOSPITAL FINANCES

Afc a time when increased demands are being made from all taxpayers, it is gratifying to find that an institution such as the Auckland Hospital Board at least appreciates the necessity of stabilisation in matters of finance. All the money that can be spared in New Zealand, individually or collectively, is required for war purposes and the Hospital Board must be congratulated on its determination to maintain its essential service to the people at the lowest possible cost. The board's financial year has closed with a substantial surplus—the second in succession after a long and crippling series of deficits —and, as a result, the chairman, Mr. Allan J. Moody, is able to announce that there will be no rise in the rate of the levy collected from local authorities in the board's district. This will presumably be

maintained at .42d in the £l on rateable capital value and, while this figure is still high, there can be satisfaction that it is not higher. Even during 1038-39, the average cost per patient rose from £ 16.4 to £18.9, and it is more than likely that war conditions have brought about a further increase. The board, however, has followed Mr. Moody's lead in the adoption of an economy campaign, allied with improved administrative methods, while payments under the Social Security Act have probably resulted in increased receipts in respect of the treatment of patients. Financial relief under this last-mentioned heading is provided by the taxpayers as a whole and for that reason it is well that higher costs should be met by economies rather than by a higher levy, particularly when the board is able to show that economies can be practised without impairing in any way the efficiency of the hospital. The pro cv "*cts noted by Mr. Moody are dis? encouraging and give cause ",c that the time may not be la: .'ant when the board will be abh lighten its demands on the ratepayers.