‘Frontline' programme
Sir,—Following the "Frontline” television programme criticising the practices exercised by Ward 24 staff of Christchurch Hospital when investigating the sexual abuse of children, it would be just for a commission of inquiry to be set up. A commission should be welcomed by the hospital authorities, who have already protested their innocence. It would also be fair to the authorities to broaden the terms of a commission to include all aspects of child abuse and the investigative techniques espoused by the ward. It would further be helpful for the commission to take a longitudinal view — say 12 years back — so as to authenticate the board’s claim that methods are constantly reviewed and changes implemented as a result of such review. I am sure the hospital authorities, including the board’s medical superintendent, would welcome such a positive approach with the attendant opportunity for all concerned to give evidence in their own behalf. — Yours, etc., J. S. FISHER. April 16, 1989.
Sir, —For the past seven years Ward 24 has been a place where grievously distressed children and their families have been admitted for a period of several weeks. Here, as a unit, they have received help and support to help them cope better with the often very difficult circumstances that-they have to deal
with in their everyday life. The people manning Ward 24 have always been most sympathetic, dedicated and professional workers. Their feeling of dedication and the great stress involved has to be seen to be fully understood and appreciated. It seems now that years of devoted service are being completely overshadowed by one tragic error. The greatest tragedy of all will be if the result of all this highly emotive journalism is a backlash so great that families at risk lose their support system altogether.—Yours, etc.,
H. J. RUSCOE. April 17,1989.
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Press, 19 April 1989, Page 20
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303‘Frontline' programme Press, 19 April 1989, Page 20
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