Scientologists kept out

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34045, 8 January 1976, Page 10

Scientologists kept out

The medical superintendent of Sunnyside Hospital (Dr T. E. Hall) has withdrawn his permission for a “‘Citizens’ Commission of Human Rights" to visit the hospital after learning that it is backed by the Scientology movement. The move comes after a ; warning on Tuesday from the superintendent-in-chief of the Waikato Hospital Board (Dr J. A. Meade), who was (disturbed by the ease with which the group got into Tokanui Hospital recently and made its findings public. The group alleged that psychiatric patients at the hospital were controlled and punished by electric-shock treatment and injections. It also criticised facilities at the hospital. Dr Hall said that he had originally given permission for a tour of Sunnyside by the group after an approach from a Mr Tony Wilson, who claimed to be the group’s interim chairman. Mr Wilson had given no indication that Scientology was involved. Dr Hall said that he had telephoned Mr Wilson yes-, terday and that Mr Wilson! had only then confirmed re-

- ports in “The Press” that the ,[commission was backed by! ' Scientology. ' “I don’t think that they are! ■ an impartial group of people! ’I who would come here to! i learn from what they see,”, Jsaid Dr Hall. “The Scien-. , itoiogy movement is very: anti-psychiatry and makes! S.wild accusations about;, psychiatry. “They would have pre-; i judged the situation before; 11 coming here, and this would f[not have been helpful to; Leither our patients or staff.”!