AT THE HOSPITAL GATES.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2646, 15 May 1923, Page 5

AT THE HOSPITAL GATES.

WAS THERE UNDUE DELAY? INQUIRY INTO MISS PORTER'S CASE. BOARD DEFERS DECISION. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Last Night. The Hospital Board opened an inquiry to-day regarding the allegations of undue delay in the admission of Miss Phyllis Porter, a member of tho Peep Show Company, who died as a result of burns received through her dress catching fire on the stage of the Opera House. Evidence was given by Miss Barber, Roy Steyne and John Farrell on the lines of that given at the inquest. Mr Farrell withdrew his previous statement that the hospital had been telephoned to the effect that the case was on its way to he institution.

Miss Barber, said the accident occurred at 8.10 p.m. and the patient was at the hospital about 8.20 or 8.25 p.m. The doctor saw her between 8.55 and 9.10 p.m. Mr Steyne said that the doctor did not see the patient from the time she arrived until she was taken into the ward. The delay occurred a&er leaving the children's ward. Mr Farrell deposed that the doctorcame down the c'orridor as if he had all day. He told the doctor he would complain about the delay. The doctor said he could complain anywhere he liked. The doctor also said he thought the patient was a child, because one of the porters told him so. It must have been after 9 p.m. when the doctor arrived at the ward. Witness told the doctor afterwards that he was casual and careless over the case. Gordon Gordon, a porter at the hospital, said he distinctly heard someone say "she's only a child, and is in great pain." There was no undue delay. The hospital attendants "went for their lives." Antell, another porter, said Mr Far-' roll referred to the patient as a "poor child" and a "poor kiddie." There was a slight delay at No. 2 ward, but not undue delay.

Dr. Wilson, superintendent, interjected that there must have been some delay, as a bed had to be made up. Mr Farrell (to witness): 1 think you were all astray that night.

Witness: Well, there was a lot of rushing about. It was an exceptional night. Mr Farrell: If there was no delay, why did you say to Miss Barber that the delay was terrible? Witness: I was sorry for the girl and there had been so much delay in going to the children's ward.

Peter Turnbull said he was on telephone duty that night and heard Mr Parrel refer to the patient as a child. He telephoned the doctor that there was an urgent case, and that he believed it to be a child. Dr. Baird, who was the doctor concerned, said the message he got was that a child had been badly burned. As the patient could speak he knew that she was in no immediate danger and sent her to the children's ward, but then he was told her age and ordered her'to No. 2. This ward could not take her and she was sent to No. 1. He was given the first call at 5.20. After treating her he was returning to his quarters before 9 o'clock. Sister Gray said the case arrived at No. 2 ward between 8.30 and 8.45. No bed was ready, so she went with the case to No. 1. Witness saw the case was urgent and preparing a bed at No. 2 would have meant more delay. Nurse May stated that the case arrived at No. 1 ward just before 8.40 p.m. and from Ave to ten minutes later the patient was in bed. The Board decided to give its decision ir. a few days' time.