DISPENSING IN HOSPITALS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3007, 19 February 1917, Page 6

DISPENSING IN HOSPITALS

PHARMACY BOARD'S ACTION. ■ \ , Following on a recent if discussion by] the Pharmacy Board of IJ{ ew Zealand of the case of : accidental poisoning which occurred at the Ohristchurch Hospital, where concentrated strychnine was administered to a patient, the board's registrar wrote to the Minister of Public Health.as follows, under date January 15: — "The, daily papers recently, reported that a steward died at the Ohristchurch Hospital from an overdose of strychnine, accidentally administered, by ' a nurse there. The details published appearing to show that two solutions of strychnine were kept in separate bottles, one containing a concentration and tbo other a dilution, and that the nurse gave a large dose of the concentrated liquid." The case is not exactly similar to one that occurred at the v Launceston Hospital, hut the Christchurch case indicates carelessness, in the dispensing and administration of a, strong poison in a hospital. Under the circumstances the board desires to convey to'you its opinion that you should cause inquiry to be made into the recent case referred to 'above, and as to the methods"of dispensing employed in hospitals generally, and that the persons appointed to make such inquiry should include representatives from the Public Health Department, and the medical and" chemists' professions." Under date January 31, the Chief Health Officer and Inspector-General of Hospitals has replied as follows: —"I have been directed by the Hon. Minister of Pubic Health ■ to reply to your letter of 15th inst., and to state, that in the case mentioned a careful inquiry has been held, and it is not considered necessary to hold another. It is intended to,issue a circular to all hospital superintendents giving directions that will render a similar accident impossible in the future. ' Therefore, whilst thanking the for its suggestion and proferrea assistance, the Minister feels assured that the steps now being taken will prove effective."