Hospital Contributory Scheme

Based on material supplied by Nancy Hutchinson

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Prior to the advent of the National Health Service in 1948, hospitals had schemes that entitled contributors to treatment as in-patients or out-patients. Nancy Hutchinson has two cards that her mother, Mrs Caroline Newby, used for contributions to the York County and District Hos pital Scheme.

A contribution of 3d weekly covered husband, wife and children. At the age of 16, children had to have their own cards and pay 2d until they were 21 when they paid the full amount.

Contributions were collected in the village. Nancy remembers that Mrs Wilf Cook, who lived at No. 56, was the collector for the 1937 to 1938 period. For the period covered by the other card, 1941 to 1942, the collector is identified on the back as Miss Nora Foster who lived at No. 52.

The terms printed inside the contribution card show that entitlement did not extend to treatment provided by “the State or by the several Health Authorities (viz., Infectious Diseases, Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Maternity Cases, Tonsil and Adenoid treatment of children attending Elementary Schools, Mental Cases, Incurable Diseases)."

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PRESS CUTTING

Howdenshire Chronicle and Pocklington Weekly News – January 22, 1938

It was reported at the quarterly meeting of the local committee of the York County Hospital Contributory Scheme, that the sum of £15 14s 5d had been collected, making a total for the year of £61 13s 0d.

The Rev. R. Fawcett, vicar, presided over the meeting. The collectors were Mrs W. Cook, Miss D. Johnson, Mrs J. Ward, Miss Brigham, Mr A. Foster, Mr A. Readman (Youlthorpe). Miss Foster is the hon. secretary and treasurer.