HOSPITAL COSTS

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20785, 21 April 1939, Page 8

HOSPITAL COSTS

HAWKE’B BAY PROTEBTB RESIGNATION SUGGESTION (By Telegraph.—rress Association) HASTINGS, Thursday Hospital boards in Hawke's Bay are faced with the necessity of increasing levies to meet advanced costs and Government regulations concerning buildings and accommodation. At a meeting of the Wairoa and Waipawa Hospital Beards it was disclosed that costs had increased substantially, in the case of the latter being 6 4 per cent above the previous year. The Wairoa County Council and the Borough Council will be required to increase the levies by 40 per cent and 70 per cent respectively. Strong comment was made by members of the Waipawa Board when the position w-as put before them. Another member said the Government laid down the policy. They had to follow’ it or else resign. This idea was carried further by another member, who suggested the board should resign or carry on only according to its means. The secretary-manager, Mr P. R. Smyrk, pointed out that, If the board did not function, the department would amalgamate the hospital with another neighbouring board, which would Increase the levies by 50 per cent. The estimates were passed, the chairman remarking that they were right up against it.