HOSPITAL BOARD ADMINISTRATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22744, 3 December 1935, Page 6

HOSPITAL BOARD ADMINISTRATION

TO THE EDITOR SlB, —Prior to the last local body election I pointed out how unsatisfactory the administration of the Otago Hospital Board had been, and I quoted from certain official reports to prove my case. After the election I moved that the Government be asked to set up a committee of inquiry to investigate the purchase and control of stores, the distribution, tenders, and control of staff. The Government did not agree to this request, but did send down its inspecting house manager, who has now reported. His report bears out my criticism of the board. I stated that the board wa s paying too much for certain drugs. That is borne out by the report, which gives the prices charged to the Dunedin. Hospital and compares those prices with the prices paid by another city hospital which indents its lines. The difference shown in the list ranges from Ifd a lb to 9a a lb. I stated that other firms did not get a chance to quote—that the bulk of the purchases were from one firm. The inspector in his report states that “the bulk of this business goes to one firm.” I endeavoured to have the Nurses’Home supplied daily from the Hospital stoi’e, but was defeated by a majority of the board. The inspector states in this connection: “The most practical and economical method to pursue would be to draw from the Hospital store instead of the Hanover street store.” He is of the opinion that the bulk store should be dona away with and that the cost is.out of all proportion to the benefits gained, and, further, he suggests that a purchasing officer should replace the controller of stores. The report stated that quotation sheets were not sent out as a general practice for recurrent supplies, but that the inspector was informed that endeavours were made to spread business amongst the, local firms as far as possible and therefore spend money locally. “This instruction was a definite one from _ the board, but not in writing.” This will be news to many business firms, who have complained that they have not been asked to quote. With regard to control of artisans, etc., I have endeavoured to have this under the superintendent of the Hospital. The report states “ that this control should bo taken away from the secretary and given to the house steward of the Hospital, who is under the direction of the medical superintendent.” There are other recommendations which, if carried out, will make our administration more satisfactory. Since the election of the Hospital Board an Advisory Purchasing Committee has been appointed. So far as drugs are concerned, there has been a reduction in the prices charged. By asking all firms to quote and giving orders to those firms whose lines are the cheapest the board will get a better deal than it has had in the past. I think you will agree with me that the report shows the necessity for more efficient administration by the Hospital Board. All the statements I have made are endorsed by the report of the' Government’s inspecting house manager.—l am, etc.,. F. Jones. 43 Surrey street, December 2.