THAT “WHOOPEE” PARTY

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXII, Issue 12528, 13 April 1935, Page 11

THAT “WHOOPEE” PARTY

DOCTOR AY HO AY AS DYED AND OILED. PLAYED TRAINS AYITK BEDS. SYDNEY, March 30. AA'hen the inquiry into the affairs of the Royal South Sydney Hospital was resumed to-day, Rr Ad neon t Malcolm Putland, formerly resident medical officer at the hospital, gave his version of the happenings on the night of Feb ruary 21. Dr Hambrett, he said, returned to the hospital about midnight with two lialf-bottles of whisky. He appeared to have had a few “spots.” Drs Ryan and Bland and wit-' ness decided to give Dr Hambrett a “send-off" by pouring a few dyes on him. A little olive oil was also poured on him. The whisky was consumed by the four doctors, but all of them were quite sober. Dr Hambrett left the party and went to bed. Dr Putland said that a number of tlie instruments in the out-patients' department of the ho -pital were unsatisfactory. AA'hen he first went there he found rusty hypodermic needles, and he had to open ohsetvses with hluni knives. Scissote which he used were blunt. Replying to Air F. P. Donohoo (for trie South Sydney Hospital Board), Dr Putland said that he did not know that the instruments wore taken away every week to be sharpened. R they had been sharpened a very poor job had been ma.de of them. He had complained to the secretary many times, hut ultimately he had given it up as lieing hopeless. Referring to the party, Dr Putland s.ti'J that there was a bit of singing. Air Donohoo.—You played around and had a little game of trains with the beds. Dr Finland.—You might call it that. Who would have operated on a patient if a serious accident case had.been brought in that night?— One of the honorary doctors. But supposing the person war, severely injured and attention was needed immediately ?—I would probably have done it. I was quite capable. Dou you remember getting some rebukes about your conduct at the hospital ?—No. AA'ell, do you remember being told about bringing women on to the prem ises, and did Dr Ryan have to speak to you about bringing yonr fiancee on to the premises ?—No. Do you go to see patients while you are smelling of Fquor?—l have done it. The hearing war. adjourned.