Maternity Hospital Cases

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 81, 6 April 1938, Page 2

Maternity Hospital Cases

MATRON FINED FOR OVERCROWDING From Our Own <-orre*Donde»it. HASTINGS, Last Night. The licencee of a private maternity hospital in Hastings. Margaret Isabel Cooper, pleaded guilty to having permitted her institution to have more patients than it was licensed for by law. She appeared before Mr J. Miller, S.M., in the Hastings Magistrate’* Court this morning. She was represented by Mr W. S. Averill.

Prosecuting, Mr H. B. Lusk said that no fewer than seven charges had been made against defendant. The cases were the result of overlapping caused through the condition of the patients. There had been as many as twelve patients in the hospital at one time, but under the circumstances the Health Department was prepared to suggest a small penalty only as a warning to other institutions.

Mr Averill said that even though the Crown had kindly recommended a light fine, there was some reflection on the professional status of Miss Cooper Through no fault of her own patient* had to come in at certain times, and the sister was carrying on a great humanitarian service for the community. It should also be said that judged by cubic air space there was no overcrowding. The Magistrate agreed that the matron should be given credit for her services to the town, but he said that the licence had been greatly exceeded. The instructions should have been rigidly adhered to.

“I will impose a fine of £2 on the first three of the seven charges, with court costs of 10/- on the remaining five.” he concln'*®'*