SUMS PAYABLE TO HOSPITALS

Southland Times, Issue 23612, 13 September 1938, Page 7

SUMS PAYABLE TO HOSPITALS

SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME BOARD SEEKS DEFINITE STATEMENT (United Press Association) ASHBURTON, September 12. The Ashburton Hospital Board today decided to send to the Minister of Health (the Hon. P. Fraser) and the Hospital Boards Association a statem'ent submitted by a member on hospital payments under the social security scheme. The statement expressed concern at the fact that the amount payable to the boards was not fixed by the Bill, but was left to the discretion of the Minister. The boards should, in the interests of the ratepayers, ask the Minister for a definite statement whether the amount so paid is to replace the present subsidies on local levies or be merely a payment in lieu or fees previously collected from patients. The chairman (Mr Gallagher) said the Act would mean a greatly increased number of occupied beds. Mr H. E. Jessep said the maternity services under the Bill did not go far enough and gave notice of motion that all maternity fees due by patients at the Malvern Maternity < Hospital be wiped out and in future treatment be given free of cost. Mr Jessep said the board was m a happy position with the Chalmers Bequest. ' ' , , , The chairman and other ’members supported the proposal, which will be discussed at the next meeting.