MORE HOSPITALS WANTED

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21133, 5 September 1938, Page 6

MORE HOSPITALS WANTED

Lack at Temuka Deplored Farmers’ Union Moves TEMUKA, September 4. Deploring the lack of hospital accommodation in country towns like Temuka, Mr A. E. Dobson made a suggestion at the monthly meeting of the Temuka Branch of the Farmers’ Union on Friday night that cottage hospitals should be established in small towns. “I think we should adopt the cottage hospital system in New Zealand,” said Mr Dobson. “Many towns like Temuka have registered medical practitioners but no hospital accommodation whatever. Towns like Fairlle are at a distinct disadvantage, being 40 miles away from the public hospital in Timaru.” The need for farmers who received minor injuries to go right into Timaru for treatment was absurd. They were taken away from their friends and farms for the slightest injuries. If there was a casualty ward in Temuka there would be no need for them to leave their district. They could manage their farms and at the same time be receiving first class medical attention. “This is an opportune time—while social services are being so widely discussed —to introduce the question,” added Mr Dobson.

The president, Mr A. Johnson, said the Borough Council would probably be Interested in the question. Waimate had once been threatened with the loss of its hospital, but the strenuous efforts of the Mayor of that town had resulted in the Hospital Board keeping it going. Undoubtedly people would get more expert attention in the central hospitals, but there was no reason why provision should not be made for minor cases in the country.

“My opinion is that we have to pay hospital rates and that consequently we should get free treatment and accommodation within reasonable distance of our homes,” said Mr Johnson. “The health scheme should mean an alteration in the present system of hospital financing, and I hope there is an alteration in the rating system.” The opinion that after the Government's proposals were introduced, accommodation would be made available was expressed by Mr L. V. Talbot, who added that unless facilities were made available in the country the country people would not get the benefits they were entitled to from the scheme. “I think we should ask the Minister if any provision has been made for the establishment of cottage hospitals,” said Mi' W. H. Staniland. “The Bill is going through the House and if we are too long in getting on to the job we may be shut out. If we find provision has been made then it will be all right, but if no prevision has been made then the provincial executive should be asked to take the matter up.” Mr Dobson said he did not agree with Mr Talbot’s view that they should wait until after the Bill was passed. “We are not too soon but too late,” he said. Provision was being made for home nursing, but if a hospital Were established one nurse could look after several patients. Serious cases would have to be dealt with in the centres, but minor illnesses should be dealt with in their own towns.

Mr S. Trumpet suggested that an extension of the present maternity hospital, which was under the Hospital Board, was all that was necessary.

“We cannot go into the details,” said Mr Staniland. “What we have to consider is whether we should have a hospital or not.” Mr Dobson: When a person goes to Timaru his treatment from his family doctor, who understands the case is out off. That is not desirable. Mr Staniland reiterated that the Union should make sure whether the Government Lad made any provision ior cottage hospitals or not. “It should go before the provincial executive immediately," said Mr Dobson who moved a remit accordingly. Mr Staniland moved as an amendment that the Minister of Health be asked If any provision was made. We are not going above the provincial executive if we do this,” he said. “We are only seeking information which can be passed on to the executive. It affects all branches and should go to the executive,” said Mr Dobson.

The remit asking the executive t go into the question of establishing the hospitals in the country was carried.