MEDICAL ETHICS

Evening Star, Issue 15480, 30 April 1914, Page 6

MEDICAL ETHICS

SHOULD A DOCTOR TELL? Whether 3. doctor should disclose information concerning a patient was a point raised at Leeds during the hearing of a. tsimiittoivs against Dr John Fislier, of Mai top, by Miss Gertrude Whitehead, daughter of a farmer, of Swinton, near Mai ton. The case had boen adjourned to enable the Stipendiary to consider several points. It was alleged that the couple met at a. tennis party about six years ago, that impropriety took piace afterwards, and also, later, in Leeds, where defendant was a medical, student. The parties were then both 2C. The defence was a denial of the allegations.—Dr Coleman, of Bridlington, was about to be asked a question concerning Miss Whitehead, when Mr Arthur Willey, lor complainant, objected. "I protest," said Ma - Willey, "against him giving any statement concerned, either directly or indirectly, with his patient. If there is any objection by his client or patient, he has no right to divulge information for any purpose."—The Magistrate ruled that the evidence would be admissible if the doctor cared to give it.— Witness said he could not give the evidence unless he was commanded to do so in the court. —The Magistrate said he could not compel him, on which witness declined to answer the question put to him.—Ultimately defendant was. ordered to pay 5s a week from the birth of the child until its 14th birthday, and to pay 10 guineas costs.