FALL FROM WINDOW

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22099, 3 May 1935, Page 13

FALL FROM WINDOW

PATIENT AT HOSPITAL RECENT WELLINGTON CASE EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST [BY TELKGKAI'H —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Thursday An inquest was held to-day concerning the death at the Wellington Hospital of .Airs. Sarah Ellen Marks, aged 31, who was found fatally injured below a third-storev window at the hospital on April 6. She was a patient in the institution. Dr. J. U Williams, mental specialist, who examined deceased on April 2, said lie did not regard deceased as having suicidal tendencies. Dr. G. B. Cowie, of the staff of the Wellington Hospital, said deceased was suffering from an enlarged thyroid gland. An operation which was to be performed would have cured her. She was removed to a roein specially chosen for its quietness and pleasant surroundings, and she had a convalescent patient to keep her company. She Was six weeks in the hospital and never showed any suicidal tendencies. The happening was a pure accident and could not have been anticipated. Sub-Inspector Roach, for the Police: You are aware that this woman on one occasion got up to the window and expressed herself as desirous of jumping out of it?'

Witness said he knew nothing of it until after April 6. Had the matter been mentioned to him he would have thought increased supervision would have been required. Mr. Heine, for the Relatives: Is it a practice in a hospital not to report events of this nature to the doctor in charge ? Witness: No. The sister reports anything she thinks important. Mr. Heine: You say it is the sister's fault for not reporting it? Witness: She may have reported it to someone else.

Dr. T. D. M. Stout said deceased had a certain degree of mental symptoms and lie thought it advisable to have her examined by Dr. Williams. He had no idea that she had suicidal tendencies. They were not to be suspected. If a desire to commit suicide had been permanent, he thought she would have shown very definite evidence of it.

Dr. Thorne, medical superintendent, said there were always patients at the hospital having extra supervision. There was never any difficulty in getting it.

Dr. Sutherland, of the hospital staff, agreed with the previous witness that the placing of wire-netting or bars over windows would only irritate patients.

Mary Grace Tonkin, the other patient in the room with deceased, said she went out to fill a glass with water. When she returned there was no one there. Deceased never threatened to commit suioide.

Nurse Loach said deceased appeared to be worried over domestic troubles, but never threatened to commit suicide.

The coroner, Mr. Gilbertson, said he would give his finding on Tuesday.