AT THE HOSPITAL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 131, 4 June 1901, Page 8

AT THE HOSPITAL.

Dr. W. McDowell did not leave the Hospital until 5.30 o'clock on Friday morning, spending' the time attending to the patients from the fire. In conversation -with a member of the "Star" versation with a member of the "Star" staff. Dr. McDowell conmedical attendance on this occasion at the Hospital, as he accompanied the first two patients in the ambulance, and did all that was required before the van returned with other two sufferers. They were all ready and waiting for them. Dr. McDowell states the patients were all suffering from shock, and simply wanted a few hours rest before anything much could be done surgically. They received every attention necessary under the circumstances.

Dr. Inglis was rung up by two of the honorary staff to ascertain if assistance was required, but the medical men in the Hospital were quite able to deal with the cases.

In connection with this matter Dr. Sharman writes:—To the Editor.—Sir, —As there appears to be a wrong impression abroad with reference to the treatment of the patients injured at the late fire, kindly permit me to state that when the ambulance arrived at the Northern Club two patients were put in and sent to the Hospital, Dr. W. McDowell very generously volunteering to accompany'them. After some time the ambulance returned to the Club and the other two patients were despatched to the Hospital. By that time, as far as I am aware. D. Eeid and myself were the only two medical men left. We superintended the removal of Miss Wallace and Miss Meyer in the ambulance, and then getting into a hansom arrived at the Hospital before the van. Dr. McDowell was already there attending to the other two patients, being assisted by Dr. Inglis. Dr. Reid and myself rendered whait assistance we could, and did not leave the Hospital until about 5 a.m.—Edward W. Sharman.

While the medical men deserve all credit for going with the patients to the Hosital- the fact remains that there were none of the honorary surgeons' staff at the institution, when four serious cases arrived at the hospital.