AUCKLAND PUBLIC HOSPITAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19202, 19 June 1924, Page 9

AUCKLAND PUBLIC HOSPITAL.

PROVISION FOR WEALTHY PEOPLE. NO SPECIAL WARD. SI TO BE ERECTED. IFbom Odb Own Goiieebpondent.) AUCKLAND, June 18. A letter from the Amalgamated Society of Carpenter.-. ami Joiner.-; protesting against the establishment of special wards lor wealthy patients was discussed by the Auckland Hospital Board lost evening The chairman, Air W. Wallace, said lie did not know from what source the society had derived its idea.. The suggestion was not. to establish any different treatment for ■wealthy people.. When Dr Mayo was in Auckland he had spoken of the system at Toronto, where special accommodation was provided and a patient paid accordingly. It meant that a man who was able to pay made his own arrangement with tiie doctor. The private hospitals could not hope to obtain the equipment the public hospital had. Dr Mayo had pointed out that the system had helped to reduce the burden ot upkeep of the public hospitals. Mr M. J. Coyle said he saw no reason ■why people who could pay should not go into Hospital and pay their own doctor. The whole supervision would be under the superintendent. Air W. K. Howitt expressed astonishment that the society had forwarded such a letter. The board had had a good deal to do with the Labour people, and they had always given the hospital credit for trying to do the best for the 'Tinder dog.” ft was agreed that a letter bo seat to the Amalgamated Society staling that it was not the intention of the board to erect special wards for the wealthy people.