PLUNKET SYSTEM

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22436, 24 June 1938, Page 10

PLUNKET SYSTEM

Further Reply Made To Dr. Spencer “SOCIETY WELCOMES FULLEST INQUIRY” A further reply to Dr. F. M. Spencer’s criticism of Plunket Society methods is contained in a statement issued from Dunedin by the executive of the Plunket Society. “The Plunket Society has been aware for some months of the criticism directed by Dr. Spencer against one aspect of the society’s work,” says the statement. “This criticism was conveyed to the executive in a letter from Dr. Spencer, who was immediately notified that as it was a technical matter it would be dealt with in the only way possible, by reference to a medical committee. “Dr. Spencer was not satisfied with this and proceeded to attack the society publicly through the press. He further knew at the time of publishing his attack that a meeting of the medical advisory committee of the society had been convened to deal with the matter, and that three of the specialists referred to by him had been co-opted in an advisory capacity. His article gives the impression that the society is avoiding consulting expert opinion. This he knows is not the case. “The society welcomes the fullest inquiry into its work and will be prepared at any time to make available its records of cases over a number of years. “The executive regrets that Dr. Spencer has consistently refused to supply confidentially sufficient particulars of specific cases cited by him to enable the society to investigate the charges he has made. “Pending the receipt of the report of the medical advisory committee no further statement can be made.”