HOSPITAL ECONOMY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 112, 14 May 1931, Page 8

HOSPITAL ECONOMY

PATEA BOARD’S DECISION CURTAILMENT OF EXPENSES [Special to “Chronicle.”] PATEA, Alay 13. Steps for tho curtailment of expenditure for the coming year were made at the monthly meeting of the Patea Hospital Board yesterday. Those present were: Alessrs C. R. Honcyfield (chairman), W. H. Watkins, C. E. Johnston, W. B „k, A. T. Christensen, H. Middleton, K. G. Scown, K. G. Watt and J. Lupton. The sub-committec, consisting of the chairman (Air Honeyfield), Air A. T. Christensen, the medical superintendent (Dr. Simmons), tho matron (Miss Kelly), and the secretary (Air W. F. Shcild) submitted a report on the matter of economies for the coming year. 'Che Government had stipulated that tho board’s expenditure for the year should not erceod £4OOO. Last year’s expenditure had amounted to £4900 for administration purposes. The committee had gone into the matter very thoroughly, and had come to the following decisions in regard to practising economy: In the opinion of the committee, no further curtailment could be made without impairing the efficiency of the running of the hospital. It had been suggested that a reduction bo made in the salaries of all employees of the board, but as the standard of the wages at present was low, this was thought impracticable. Any cut made in this direction wo d be negligible in the long run. It had been decided to treat as many cases as possible in their own homes, and to limit tho average length of time in the institution to 21 days. With regard to the staff, it had been decided to reduce tho number by one. The sister was leaving at the end of next month, and tho staff nurse could continue until her term was concluded in September,, when a sister would be appointed. The \ assistant porter had left; thus the staff would be reduced by three—one nurse, the sister and the assistant porter. The food supplies could hardly be reduced, these always having been run on the lowest economic standard, with, out lowering the quality. Ln this man nor, about £3OO to £4OO a year would bo saved. Tho committee could not sec how expenses could be further reduced. The average cost of a bed for one year was the lowest of many hospitals, being £lB5 in comparison with £260 at Wellington and £l9O at Auckland institutions. Air Christensen, in moving the adoption of the estimates, stated that the committee had done all that was possible without seriously affecting the efficiency of the hospital. Air Back seconded the motion, stating that ho thought the committee had done very well. The motion was carried. Air Aliddleton asked if the matter of increasing the hospital charges had been considered. Be moved that these be raised to 12s from Ils a day. The chairman said this question had boon given very serious thought, but the general opinion was that the time was not opportune. Patients found it hard enough to pay tho rates at present. Tho board would have to endeavour to carry on at the present rates. When happier days come, would be the time to raise the charge. Air Johnston said the higher the fees, the lower the chance of collecting them. Other members endorsed these remarks. Air Aliddleton: I will withdraw my motion, but I’m convinced this rise in the charges will have to be made in the near future. As another form of economy it was decided to ask the Patea Borough Council for a further reduction in electric light rates, it being stated that the hospital was the largest consumer of electricity in the borough.