[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
Sm,—I was very much interested in the Rev. H. G. Latham's letter on this subject. I have little doubt that the scheme he outlines is practical and, if sufficiently explained to those to whom it appeals, would be assured of success{ In the area served by this hospital we started in 1921 an Insurance Scheme among the working classes for free hospital treatment. The result has surpassed all expectations. By the payment of 2d. a week for an individual, or 4d. a week fiir. a family, the insured, if sent by the doctor attending the case,; receives free -treatment at the hospital and, should it be necessary, is sent to a convalescent home to complete the cure. The subscriptions received amount to £8,000 a year. am constantly being asked to start a similar scheme for the middle classes, to members of which the dread of an expensive illness is very real. Alas ! the building of such a block will cost 132,000, and as there are other pressing needs for which we are appealing for funds, this scheme must wait. I cant answer the Editor's note by saying that a certain percentage of the income received by insurance or of the fees paid by the patients would be set aside as a staff fund and administered; by a committee of the medical profession. The doctors anal surgeons are becoming more and more insistent upon hospital! treatment for their patients, and I am certain that they woua readily co-operate with a hospital committee further to extend the benefits of hospitals.—I am, Sir, &c.,
LEONARD KEYSER, Honorary Treasurer, Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Winchester.
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