HOSPITAL BOARD WILL INQUIRE. That X-Ray Outfit.

NZ Truth, Issue 975, 2 August 1924, Page 5

HOSPITAL BOARD WILL INQUIRE. That X-Ray Outfit.

j At the last meeting of the Dunedin Hospital Board, reports from hospital officials were read. . v .

The Medical Superintendent, Dr. Falconer, m his report quoted the standing orders on discharge, including a provision that "thn sister will satisfy herseff that suitable arrangements are made by the friends, for the patient's removal." ' Sister Hunter, reported that she said nothing to justify any impression that there was -a desire to get rid of the patient. The patient and his wife said ihe. lived only a' short/distance away. "Mrs Kirk asked if a conveyance would be necessary. I did not instruct her .not to get a conveyance. I told her to see how he felt when he got to the front door.' . . ... I considered it would not be" against the medical officers-t reatment of- the -case to allow the patient to walk ,a short distance home if he felt quite able to d 6 so." The last of the statements was from Dr. - Champtaloup, who wrote:, ."On admitting the patient I. informed him definitely that it would not be necessary to retain h}m m hospital for more than a few days. Oh my. visit to the ward on the. Friday morning Mr Kirk greeted me with the <. remark, 'Well aoctor, I live quite close to the hospital and there is no need for me to remain m hospital if I can he treated as! an out-patient. 1 I replied 'Well, Kirk, you can go out as soon as you have your crutches and, can use them, and if you can be looked after outside and attend the hospital as rtn outpatient. 1 I explained that there might be some delay m obtaining the crutches. He said he could pay for. the crutches immediately If that would facilitate his going out. . I considered that from my previous consultation with Dr. Fergus he t would -permit me to discharge the' patient without further consultation. I visited the ward early on the Saturday morning about 8.30 a.m. From 9 a.m. theatre"' WflS bUSy m c o y eriltin e Eventually it was decided to hold a full inquiry on a night set apart for that purpose. ' . r