HOSPITAL REPORTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18557, 18 May 1922, Page 8

HOSPITAL REPORTS.

TO THE EDITOR.- ' Sir, —Can anyone explain to ns how it is that, when we visit sick friends in the hospitals, we are put off with evasive replies to our inquiries about them up to the very end of" their lives? There is no need to worry so much about those who recover, but is it not unfair, and also unkind, though, perhaps, well meant, to conceal the truth, and then let it come upon us with a shock when all is over? I think most, people have sufficient common sense .and tact and consideration to be permitted to know the truth, if there is no hope from the first. They would not at once rush to their sick friend and tell her she was dying, and they would be saved a double amount of sorrow themselves by being prepared. To be told up to the very l end that the patient is getting on nicely and doing well is often unjuat and untrue.—l am, etc,, * E. Barre.

[On inquiry we learn that the practice is that as sorfn as a patient becomes dangerously ill the name is posted at the front door on the daily list of patients " Dangerously 111,” and the friends are immediately notified. The term “ dangefously ill” is intended to mean what is actually stated. The relatives of patients on the "dangerously ill” list are allowed to visit at any hour, and special arrangements are made for answering their inquiries by the resident medical staff. It is the practice of the medical staff to inform the relatives, as far as possible, of the patient's exact condition, and particularly so in the case of those who have no hope from the first. Our correspondent, wo are told, hos not previously brought the matter before the medical superintendent, who would be pleased to answer personally any further questions in regard to any particular case.— Ed. OAI.T.J