Case For Special Wards

NZ Truth, 7 June 1924, Page 9

Case For Special Wards

PAYING PATIENTS IN PUBLIC

HOSPITALS.

The distinguished medical visitors from America who visited New Zealand recently contended that the proper way to run a public hospital, so that it should really be a public hospital and cater for all, is to provide accommodation fnr- paying patients; and their Insistence has aroused a

movement m New Zealand which may lead to the desired end. The advice of* the great American surgeons was not entirely now, for the Hospitals Commission of 1921 reported on the desirability of private wards for tho.se who could afford to pay for the accommodation; but, like most recommendations of Royal Commissions, tho suggestion was shelved. Dr. Magruire, tho medical superintendent of the Auckland Hospital. Is one of the many members of tho profession who are favorably disposed towards the innovation, and he on a former occasion reported on the matter to the Hospital Board. The success of providing for well-to-do patients In American public hospitals, he points out, has been amply demonstrated by results. They could, and 'would, pay double ordirfary rates for such accommodation. It is not disputed that there are no private hospitals which can provide- the facilities for treatment that our srreat public institutions of healing afford, yet the well-to-do are denied that treatment. Tho only way to obviate this, says Dr. Maguire. m to have separate, buildings for patients who <San afford to pay' for tho privacy of separate rooms to be attended by their own physicians. Admitting the rlpht of those who can afford this treatment to obtain It. the revenue thus received by the hospitals would ro far towards making them pay their way. and so easing tho burden on the taxpayer generally.