The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1908. THE GISBORNE HOSPITAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2129, 2 March 1908, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1908. THE GISBORNE HOSPITAL.

It is, of course, quite premature at the present stage to continent at any length on the liuding of the Inspec-tor-General in regard to the unfortunate case of young O’Dowd, who lost his leg in October last. Dr. Valintine has stated that his report will absolve the hospital staff front the charges of incompetency or neglect, and wc can only hope that the publication of the report when it comes to hand will leave no doubt as to the justification of that conclusion. When the father of the lad wrote to us the pathetic story of his lad’s illness and its result, with the implied charges, not only against the Hospital stall", but also against ,members of the Board, we had no hesitation in demanding a public inquiry, but at the same time expressed the hope that those concerned would bo able to clear themselves, and that it would transpire that the statements of O’Dowd—made at a time of great trouble —would prove to have been exaggerated. It is admitted that a mistaken course of treatment was followed in the early stages of the boy’s treatment in the hospital, and it will be hard to satisfy the public that this could have been possibleunder thoroughly competent and careful medical supervision, but an error of judgment, disastrous though its consequences, is by no means on allfours with the serious charges that; wero made by Air. O’Dowd. .However, the matter can scarcely bo further discussed until receipt of Dr. Valintine’s report, which states the evidence in detail, and also indicates the scope and manner of the inquiry made. The most- essential feature of the Inspec-tor-General’s discussion with tlio Trustees was his assurance in regard to the present management of the local hospital. Having taken a leading part in demanding a change from a management that was bringing the institution into disrepute, it is particularly gratifying to us to hear of the excellence of the work that is non’ being carried on. Under the superintendence of Dr. Wilson, we believe, with Dr. Valiutine, that the.hospital will be conducted in a manner that will reflect credit on the town, and that “hospital scandals” will be a memory of tlio past.