KELVIN INQUIRY.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 114, 15 May 1924, Page 8

KELVIN INQUIRY.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —As one of those most interested in the Kelvin inquiry, I am wondering why there is so much delay in the publication of the report of the commission, which was promised- by April 30 last. It is obvious that the* Health Department must be influenced by the Commission's decision and recommendations. There are over 200 private hospitals in the country and it is no more than right that such of these as are considered worthy of public support should be given a special license or certificate to inspire public confidence, and that those below a certain standard of efficiency should be closed. The innumerable rules, regulations, and recommendations quoted at the Kelvin inquiry should be compressed into reasonable limits and imposed upon private hospitals with the authority of statute law. The medical profession is also "hung up" by the delayed report, for the time, form, method and reasons for notification are as yet indefinite. There have been cases of puerpual fever since the date of the inquiry, but I am unable to discover that any inquest has been considered necessary, or that any attempts to trace the origin of the disease have been made. The blame still rests between the doctor and the nurse in all such ca'scs, and where neither is in fault this should be made clear. —I am etc., FATHER.