RISING COSTS OF HOSPITAL FACILITIES.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVI, Issue 21325, 20 April 1939, Page 6

RISING COSTS OF HOSPITAL FACILITIES.

Until the ratepayers of South Canterbury have subjected the budget of the South Canterbury Hospital Board, to a critical examination, it will not be possible for them to pass judgment on the financial policy of the Board. Doubtless the announcement that a substantial increase in the hospital levy cannot be avoided in the current year will come as unwelcome news to the great majority of the ratepayers. Nevertheless, it will be realised by all who take the trouble to examine the comprehensive statement issued by the South Canterbury Board, that increasing costs of supplies and services and general maintenance have left the hospital administration no alternative but to dip deeper into the pockets of the ratepayers, if the Board’s budget is to be balanced. It is plain, however, the rapidly increasing cost of hospital provisions ami the larger number of hospital beds in use in a young and beautiful country like New Zealand provides serious food for thought, if not to suggest a most searching investigation by the authorities