GLEMENS CASE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18572, 26 November 1920, Page 4

GLEMENS CASE.

ECHO OF THE EPIDEMIC. [From Our Correspondent.] WELLINGTON, November 'zo. Just before the session closed the member for Wellington South placed a long question on the Order Paper iii connection tilth what is well-known as tho Clemens case, where a returned soldier suffering from lung and cardiac weakness was transferred duripg wintry weather from Auckland Hospital to Ilanmer Springs, where ho died as a result of influenza. The orderly who had accompanied him had nursed influenza patients at the Fire Brigade Station at Auckland. The Minister of Defence has furnished a reply stating: “ I wish to take the opportunity of expressing appreciation of the splendid and gnlPaut. service rendered by the late 3-1385 R. Clemens, M.M. At, the time Private Clemens was transferred from Auckland Hospital to Hammer he had been getting up daily for some time. Both Dr Maguiro and Dr Williams considered that lie was in a fit condition for this transfer. It was acting on these reports that his transfer to Hamner Military Hospital was arrtinged. It was true that sleeping accommodation was not provided on the train from Auckland to Wellington, hut lie was provided with first-class accommodation. The orderly in charge should certainly have reported to the Assist-ant-Director of Medical Services the fact that on arrival at Auckland Railway Station Private Clemens did not appear to bo in a fit state to travel. This was to he regretted. The Minister admits that the orderly an question had nursed influenza, patients,_ but adds it was not possible to be certain of tbe source from which Private Clemens contracted the infection of influenza. Had other orderlies been available to act as escort it was agreed it would have been better to have employed one of them, instead of one who had recently been in contact with cases of influenza. All reasonable precautions were taken, however, to disinfect the clothing and person of the orderly who was detailed for this duty and at that time orderlies were in great demand. The Minister adds that every endeavour is given to treat cases as necessity requires and medical officers have been very liberal in their interpretation of the rule that where a patient’s condition justifies first-class travelling accommodation it is authorised.