DROP IN FEES OF PATIENTS

Southland Times, Issue 23649, 26 October 1938, Page 4

DROP IN FEES OF PATIENTS

AUCKLAND HOSPITAL BOARD ) REQUEST TO GOVERNMENT TO CLARIFY POSITION (United Press Association) AUCKLAND, October 25. A deficiency of £3418 on the maintenance operations, as compared wifi l the estimates for the first six months of the financial year, was reported by the treasurer, Mr R. F.’ Galbraith, to the Auckland Hospital Board tonight. He attributed the deficiency to the failure of receipts to _ reach the estimated amount and, in particular, to the shortage in receipts from patients “In the ordinary way the shortage in fees receipts would cause no concern, as experience’ has proved the second half of the year to be a better collection period,” the treasurer said. “The position this year, however, is very uncertain.” It was recommended that the Government should be asked to clarify the position about patients’ fees outstanding on March 31, '■ 39- In the case, of the Auckland board these would amount to approximately £160,000. Comparing the main payment items for the same period of six months for the last four years, Mr Galbraith said the cost for each patient treated had increased in these respects from £lO 5/9 in 1935 to £ll 17/7 in 1936, £l4 16/10 in 1937 and £l6 16/7 in 1938. The increases were due to rising prices, reduced hours and increased wages. Every endeavour had been made to economize and many savings had been made. ADVANCES IN COSTS Taking nine common contract lines, large supplies of which are purchased by the board, Mr Galbraith showed that there had been an advance of 40 per cent, in cost this year as compared with 1935. For the six months ending September 30 salaries and wages amounted to £63,158, as compared with £29,131 in the corresponding period in 1935, an increase equivalent to 117 per cent.

“Last year at this time a recommendation was made that the charge for fees should be increased from 12/— to 15/- a day, a rate which even then did not cover the cost of maintenance and certainly does not today,” Mr Galbraith continued. “Finally the board decided last June to increase the charges accordingly, subject to the approval of the Minister of Health. This has not yet been received.”