HOSPITAL PATIENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15981, 8 May 1924, Page 5

HOSPITAL PATIENTS.

FRIENDLY SOCIETY FEES. DEPUTATION TO BOARD. FAVOURABLE RECEPTION. A deputation representing the Manchester Unity Oddfellows waited on the Waikato Hospital Board to-day, with a view to securing preferential treatment in the way of reduced fees for members of their lodges who become patients' at the Waikato Hospital. Mr McLeod (Auckland), said that the Oddfellows had an agreement with the Auckland Hospital by which 50 per cent of the ordinary fees was payable In the case of adults, and 25 per cent in the case of children. The arrangement had worked out admirably. The Board would have no trouble in the collection of fees, as these would be paid direct by the head office of the Society. More than 25 per cent of the M.U. Oddfellows of the Auckland district were resident in the Waikato Hospital district. As the collection of fees in the ordinary way by the Hospital Boards was not more than 25 per cent, the Society was, the speaker considered, making a very fair offer, while payment was in every way guaranteed. The chairman of the Board, Mr J. P. Bailey, said he was sure that every member of the Board was desirous of assisting the friendly societies, but as the matter was one of finance, it wotfld have to go before the House and Finance Committee, and would later come before the Board, when he was sure it would be given careful and favourable consideration. The subsequent discussion indicated that the Board was highly favourable to accepting the proposed arrangement. A letter from the Hibernian Society dealing with the same matter was also referred to the committee.