MATTER TO REST.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 14 April 1928, Page 4

MATTER TO REST.

v PROPER ATTENTION GIVEN. HOSPITAL BOARD’S INQUIRY. “After hearing the evidence of both parties the board is satisfied that prompt a ttention wa s given the child. i ;i regard to 'the verbal dispute between Air Nicholson and Dr. Miramls the board owing t'o the contradictory evidence decides to let the matter rest.” i,Such was the resolution adopted by the Hawera Hospital Board at the conclusion of the inquiry which, as reported on Page 9, was opened yesterday afternoon with reference to the dissatisfaction expressed by Mr and Mrs. iP. T. Nicholson, of Norinanby, concerning the attitude of the hospital authorities and the treatment afforded when their infant son, Who died in tihe hospital on April 1, was taken to the institution on Sunday, Alarch 18. INQUIRY ASKED BY DOCTOR in proposing yesterday morning that Air and Airs Nicholson should be invited to explain the position 'before the board the chairman (Mr F. Gil" landers) explained that the day following the inquest which •was held on April 4, the honorary surgeon in charge of the children’s ward (Dr. J. McGhie) hafi requested, in view of statements made at 'the inquest, that an inquiry should be conducted by the board. The medical superintendent (Dr. J. Caixney) further stated yesterday morning that the staff would welcome an inquiry. ' During ensuing comment yesterday Dr. AleGhie said that before writing the letter to “The 'Star" Mrs Nicholson must have been fully aware of the answers to ‘the questions raised, as he had -personally -informed her of the position. Airs Nicholson replied that the matter for complaint was the inability to secure the services of a more experienced doctor 'to attend to the child on admission. PRAISE FOR NURSING ®TA£IF. Answering Dr. AleGhie’s suggestion that it was unfair -to east as pensions on the nursing -Staff, Mrs Nicholson said -s'h-e had nothing .but praise for the nursing staff and the way i'ts members had attended to the (child. .She- had not made any derogatory comment concerning the nursing staff. She appealed to Sister Brown as to whether she (Airs Nicholson) had been trade in her manner.

Sister Brown replied that M-rs Nicholson had appeared domineering, worried and exceedingly agitated in her manner.

The matter watg considered by the beard after the withdrawal of Air and Airs Nicholson, 'the two -doctors, the matron and -Sister Brown.

■ Air A. L. 'Campbell said that the day following ’ the admission of the child to the hospital he had been spoken to -by Mr Nicholson, whose 'account of what had happened at 'the hospital and the statements made w*as practically in accord -with the version he had given -to the' board. It did mot seem that any definite conclusions as to what had' actually occurred could be drawn from the evidence 'submitted to -the board. TREATMENT APPROVED. The medical superintendent said he had approved of the treatment given the child.

The chairman said that no 'evidence of neglect on the 'part of the hospital had been adduced. Apparently everything had been done to save the child ’s life and it -was not a ease for any action bv the board. Mr T. A. Winks: “I am satisfied there "were faults on both sides and both .patties appeared to have been angry. Possibly statements were mads which have since been forgotten. Thera appears to have been no fault, however, so far a's the actual treatment was concerned.”

Mr Campbell agreed -with the previous speaker and considered further that the board -was not in a position to give a definite opinion a's to the dispute between Mr Nicholson and Dr. Mirams.

Following further discussion the resolution as indicated was adopted on the proposal of the" chairman, seconded bv Mr Winks.