BOY'S DEATH AFTER OPERATION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 6 February 1928, Page 3

BOY'S DEATH AFTER OPERATION

COMMENT ON VERDICT (fly, .'jCeleucacli to "Th? Mail") OHRISTpIIURCH, 4lh February. In. an editorial to-niglit-'s "Star'- says: "The Coroner's verdict in the case- of the boy who died in the Clnislchurch Hospihil from asphyxia must give rise to a very searching inquiry by the Hospital Board. The Coroner has expressed the opinion that the boy's stomach should have been emptied before the anaesthetic was administered and that greater attention should have been given to his ease immediately after the operation. The circumstances sinT'ounding the case, must he disquieting to the genera! public, and if confidence in the conduct of the hospital is to he maintained the board must sift, the matter to the bottom. It is only a. matter of six months since a special committee set up by the Hospital Board in connection with tile death of Mis McKnighl endorsed the opinion of the Coroner that there was 'a lack of something' that should not. have been wanting in the treatment of the particular patient. It. is significant, ton, that when the report of the medical .superintendent on Mrs Mcknight's case was tabled it was discussed in camera, because as the Mayor remarked in moving that it should be withheld from publication, 'lt contained some alarming statements.' The public are entitled to know whether these 'alarming statements' had any bearing on the efficiency of the medical and nursing staffs, and if so whether they are in any way relevant to the unfortunate case now under consideration."