Victimisation Alleged At Cherry Farm

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30190, 23 July 1963, Page 16

Victimisation Alleged At Cherry Farm

(New Zealand Press Association)

DUNEDIN, July 22. Allegations of improprieties, victimisation of staff and patients, and ill-treatment of patients will be made ait an official inquiry on Cherry Farm Mental Hospital Mr W. H. Reid, independent inspector for tihe Health Department in Otago and Southland, opened the inquiry this morning at Cherry Farm when he heard from counsel and witnesses what- allegations would be made.

He adjourned the hearing until the inquiry proper opens on August 6. Mr R. J. Gilbert, for groups which wish to give evidence, said his groups would include parents of inmates, inmates and present and past staff members. Mr G S. Orr, of Wellington. counsel appointed to assist the inquiry, said certain allegations had been made to the Minister concerning improprieties at the hospital and Mr Reid had instituted the inquiry as a result of a letter to the Minister and Mr Red in connexion with these allegations In view of She "general disturbing tone of the anonymous charges’’ it was important Shat they should be aired publicly, Mr Orr said It was his duty to see that those who made the allegations should come forward and Mr Reid ha’ powers to issue a summons if necesaary. While all member* of the hospital staff were bound by a vow of secrecy, a«w member of the staff could come forward in this case without breaking the oath. Mr Orr said

Mr, Reid said the purpose of the hearing was to see what complaints would be made and to ascertain the names of those making the complaints. He prohibited publication of names.

Mr Gilbert asked that the names of those he was appearing for should remain confidential to Mr Rend until the actual hearing, in view of the allegations of victimisation which would be made. Mr Reid agreed, saying he did not wish to stifle any evidence which mighit be given.

Mr Gilbert also produced a written oampladrat from a patient who maintained he had been refused permission to give evidence ait the inquiry.

The patient was called and said a doctor bad refused the permission three days ago. Mr Redd ordered that the patient should be allowed to give evidence on August 6.