MENTAL ESCAPEE

Grey River Argus, 16 June 1933, Page 4

MENTAL ESCAPEE

Life Saved by Nurses at grey hospital yesterday. Making good his cseap.* from Victoria Ward at the Grey Hospital on Monday, a mental inmate made his way to the Karoro Lagoon nt tho back of the Hospital, where ho plunged into the water, apparently with the intention of ending his days, and no doubt such would have been tho case had it not been for the courageous action of two members of tho nursing profession. Sister A. M. Becker and Nurse G. B. O’Connor. Sister Becker was in charge of the Ward nt tho time, while Nurse O’Connor was playing tennis. Upon bolting in the direction of the lagoon, they hastily followed him. and with some difficulty rescued him from his inevitable fate, both entering the water. At last evening’s meeting of the Grey Hospital Board, tho following letter was received from the honorary medical officers. Doctors W. A. Bird and F. O. Bonnett: “Tho Chairman. Grey Hospital Board. —Dear Sir. —This afternoon (Juno 32) a mental patient in Victoria Ward, broke loose Imm (the Ward and plunged into the Lagoon. From hero he was re cued, apparently with some difficulty, bv two of the nursing staff, namely. Sister Pecker and Nurse O’Connor. We would be pleased if you would convey this to the Board, as we feel that surh a plucky act should not pass without being placed on record. (Signed) Drs, W. A. Bird and F. O. Bennett.” Tho Chairman moved that the action of tho two nurses bo placed on record and a letter of appreciation sent to them. He said the patient had clear od out and they ha-d had their work cut out to capture him. and also stopped him from committing suicide. The motion was unanimously’ car-