RICHMOND TEMPORARY HOSPITAL.

Colonist, Volume LXI, Issue 14972, 21 January 1919, Page 4

RICHMOND TEMPORARY HOSPITAL.

FEES FOR. TREATMENT

HOSPITAL BOARD'S CHARGES

RESENTED

The receipt last week by patients durin»- the epidemic who were treated at the Richmond Park temporary hospital

of accounts for hospital fees has occasioned a good deal of resentment in the borough. It seems that there was an impression simong the public that the hospital was opened as an emergency measure to assist in stemming the epi-

demic by isolating m the institution everyone suffering from influenza. it is further stated that it was understood that no charges were to be made, and that relatives of the patients and others sent in generous supplies of milk and general produce. Accordingly the rendering of accounts by the Nelson Hospital and Charitable Aid Board has occasioned surprise and indignation. The subject was referred yesterday to Mr T. Neale, chairman of the Nelson Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, who explained that all temporary hospitals were under the direction of the various hospital I oards, and before they could be established they had to be recommended by the board for the approval of the department, and, once approved., the board was responsible for their maintenance. The question of fees to be charged at these temporary hospitals naturally occurred. The fees in the general hospital are 6s per day, including medical attention., "As chairman of the board," continued Mr Neale, '"'I telegraphed to the department asking for instructions in regard to the fees to "be charged at temporary hospitals, and they replied that they were the same as in.public hospitals, subject, of course, to reductions that might be recommended. I communicated with the Mayor of Richmond, and I agreed with him that, on account of the valuable assistance of voluntary helpers in Richmond and the great generosity of Dr. Washbourn in offering to treat patients free, the fees could be reduced to 4s per day with special consideration for necessitous cases." Mr Neale.further pointed out that the board has to sanction all expenditure in connection with temporary hospitals, <md is responsible for all receipts.: It the Richmond committee had given patients to ■understand that there would be no charge for accommodation at the temporary hospital, it had exceeded its powers, as the matter was one for the board, acting under the department. At the temporary hospital at Motueka a fee of £2. 2s per week was charged, the board paying -for medical attention, rent of building, etc. As to the amount of the accounts rendered, the secretary of the board (Mr'S. Blomfiekl) states that" the largest amount was £12 for the treatment of one family of two adults and two children for 20 days at 4s, per day for the adults and 2s per day for the children.