HOSPITAL ENQUIRY.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 5670, 17 January 1890, Page 2

HO SPITAL ENQUIRY.

THREE CHARGES AGAINST THE MANAGEMENT. The following members of the Board of Hospital Trustees met at the hospital last evening : - Messrs Tucker (Chairman), Lucas, Watson, Hepburn, C. A. Brown, Harris, and Nolan. Mr Lucas made a personal explanation. It had been stated he had no right to sit at the investigation because he had voted against it being held. He did so because the Trustees had then no complaint made to them, aud were only discussing a letter in a paper. THE CASE OF EFFIB SPRATT. The Chairman read the following letter : "The charges I wish to prefer resppcting the trcatmmt of my daughter when in the Hospital ure these, viz., want of attention, injudicious xisu of morphia, aiso she was treated for a diseasn she did not have. I shall bu there to have the charges substantiated and to give all necessary information required to the best of my ability. Hoping to Inive justice and equity in this to me a very grave loss. — Yours, &c, Hui'Zbah Anne Laverock. Mrs Laverock and the Matron were called into the meeting. Mrs Laverock said the child had told her she was left entirely alone except when she (the mother) waa there. She could only get a little lime water, and oven milk and water was refused her. She directed the first charge in the letter against the Matron. Previous to the child's death the Matron would not get up and give the child anything to eat. The loss to he.r was a very grave loss (tears), and the charge she would sustain would bo a serious one against someone. The . Matron refused to give the child nourishment, saying she was asleep, but the little girl was not asleep, but was lying stupefied with morphia. When witness was leaving the ward (haviug been expelled by Dr Pollen), Effie asked for an injection, say« ing, "Mum, get me an enema ; I" asked for one the other day and was refused." The day previous to her death witness <?ave her a glass of water at 3 in the morning. When she returned at 3 in the afternoon the child asked for a little milk and water, as she had been refused any nourishment. She asked the Matron for . some and was distinctly refused; Effio asked in the presence of the Matron to be taken away home from the institution, or she would die of starvation. With regard to the charge of injudicious use of morphia, Mrs Laverock said that was directed against Dr Pollen and the Matron. The charge that she was treated for a complaint which she did not have was directed against the surgeon alone. Miss Houldstate, matron, being asked to explain the first charge said that everything was done under Dr. Pollen's orders. She was with the girl, and got up several times and made her a poultice arid gave her Avhat she had to take. The woman asked for some nourishment, but she said the child was sleeping and sho was not to wake her ; it was against the doctor's orders. . Dr. Pollen, being called on, said ifc was a standing order not to wake patients for food or medicine unless special instructions were given. He had administered morphia for a certain purpose, and did not tell the matron to wake her. The Matron continued, and said that when the child mentioned that she would like an enema, she had already had two. Dr. Pollen said he had given instructions for two enemas to be used, and he had no doubt in the world they were used. Mrs Laverock was quite sure they had not been given. Miss Houldgate stated circumstances which proved that sho had given the enemas. Being asked why she did not mention about the enemas to the Matron, Mrs Laverock said : I should have met with a volley of insulence, the same as I did from" Dr. Pollen. He treated me with great insolence. The Chairman : Mrs Laverock, I can only say that unless I heard Dr. Pollen speak or behave insolently to anyone, I could not believe it. Preferring another charge, Mrs Laverock said she was ordered out of the ward by the Matron, who told her to go into the kitchen. The surgeon was with her. Answering the charge of not giving the child nourishment, the Matron said she was ordered to give her limewater and milk and a little "whisky. Mrs Laverock asked her to allow her milk, and she said, v No ; Dr. Pollen had said she is not to have milk without limewater." The limewater was to prevent sickness, and when deponent consented to the mother giving just one drink of milk the child vomited. _ Miss Houldgate continued : The child had milk and water all the time whenever she wanted it or when she could take it. She had someone with her constantly trying to get her to take it. The nurse was with her chiefly. They gave her frequently as much drink as slxe could take. Tli ore was milk and limewater within her reach, and she was strong euough and sensible enough to take it. Mrs Laverock said the child was so weak she could not stretch out her hand, and when Dr. Pollen was asked to state, said, "The doctor is sure to say as the nurse does." Dr. Pollen : The child was only semiconscious for two days before she died. She did not like the nourishment, and would not have known it was good for her. The nourishment is invariably alongside the fever patients and I am perfectly certain it was there. I always look to see- if the feeder is right. In answer to a question, the Matron said the child had not been left for five minutes at a time. Miss Houldgate said when Dr Pollen came she asked the mother to go to the kitchen, as it was usual for friends to leave the ward when the doctor was giving orders. She was not away ten minutes.' Mrs Laverock said she made no demur, but left. She was away three-quarters of an hour. The Matron told her to return. Dr Pollen said Mrs Laverock was away about a quarter of an hour. Jt was customary for visitors to leave the ward when the surgeon was present. The cook was called and stated that Mrs Laverock was in the kitchen 10 or 15 minutes. Bella Hird, ward maid, also said Mrs Laverock was not in the kitchen more than quarter of an hour. The Chairman pointed out that there was nothing in the charge. Time must have been passing heavily with the mother. Mrs Laverock would not admit she was there less than the time she had stated. With regard fco the question, injudicious use of morphia, the Chairman said the question was hardly one which the Trusteos could deal with unless Mrs Lavorock could bring professional testimony. Mr Laverock : The child was saturated with it, and I have the very latest and most valuable books to show. it should not have been used at all. The Chairman said the Trustees would nofc allow evidence from books to have weight against that of a competent witness who knew the case. Mrs Laverock : Provided I obtain from a doctor symptoms of morphia poisoning, would that be sufficient in asking to have the body exhumed? The Chairman declined to answer, and asked if she considered the gravity of the insinuations. Mrs Laverock : I know she had not typhoid fever. I have the latest medical works. [The lady then placed on the table everal medical books ] The Trustees expressed a disinclination to hear statements without they were supPovted by strong medical evidence,

: Ibv Pojlen suited ho haJ thy o-i.s<3 und"* his attuutu>u fur n wt'ek., Th./ohllu "<!.. fv-btn typhoid fever atul p't^uou-iis, ; . celeratud by gro?vi neglect at ftutne. Mrs Laverock : TJie girl remar^ol '>a he had typhoid on tho bruin and she I none. The following document wa^ placed o the table.: - '• I he;e)>y remand Ei; Spratt, suffering from typhoid, us a j patient for the hospital. .1. F. Inue.s.'" The Chairman said that if two cloeto told him, a layman, that one of his chii l'on had typhoid he would be satisfied, an the Trustees would ask her to be so. Mr Laverock said she would not be k.>. Dr Pollen stated that he had had aeon versation with Mrs Laverock aud told he exactly his treatment, <md she appears satisfied. Mrs Laverock, leaving the room in hi,;:: dudgeon : The enquiry is biased ou ever,-, side. The Trustees were of opinion there w.u uo necessity to call further evidence. The following motion was moved by M. Harris, seconded by Mr Nolan, ant. carried unanimously : '* Having hear Mrs Laverock in support of her charge and having taken evidence on the subject The Trustees are of opinion the charge have not been sustained." MR BURCII's COMPLAINT. The following lettor was road : — "X think it only fair and right that ehonld expres- my thanks 10 Dr Pwlleu i •• the e*ro and attention accorded me during in. residence in the Hospital, but I also oousidi that in the mterosts of fellow-suffurei.-. who -may have to go to the Institution t. mention that I cuniiot accord the sani compliment to the Matron. Kor two nigin ■whilst suffering extreme pain (my leg huvinj been broken) I may have talked when gohi. to sleep, but this I an omit would not vra raub the Matron in rndely shaking in . thereby preveniing ihe only relief I cou.. have. I made a complaint to tlie Ductui who I think must havy spoki-n to hur, as had afterwards to put up with all sorts - petty ; epittfs. - For in&tciiicc, slm h<i<l tiikon bDok- from ivflder my pillow aud placed . beyond nsy reach, also on another nccin-ioi' deliberately so lowered tin- blind as to i • u.i i my.- reading impossible. \Jy son too, ait-. the Doctor's permission to spend .some tin < with me, was kept waiting at the dour for . fiiilliour, merely because it was not 2 o'clock As to -her treatment of Mr Pettr Milne on tli nigbthe was brought in, I only character i<. it as' itnvrotnan yin the extrtnif. That Ui doctor thiuks Miss Houltlgate an excollei) matron can be readily nnugined btcua.sbeis"rtnvaridbly most kind aud attnntiv. to the patients, but during his absence lici conduct is each that people leave th< Hospital, like myself, before ie is prudent m do so."— l'rtinain, &c, Edward Buucn. About 8 the second morning after P. Milne ■ caitt-the nurse administered to me a black draught or drastic purgative, such medicim not being ordered by the doctor. Mr -Burch -came in on crutches anc being asked if he had anything further t. add said he did not think so except tlm he was made the subject of petty sjut> and annoyances. Because he lit his pipi before the time, she sent Miss McKay l. him with .a black draught strong enough for a horse (laughter). The Chairman remarked it must havtdone him good, for Mr Burch never looked better than he did that night. Miss Hottldgate admitted thit she shook Burclii but it was a frequenc habit of Jii^ to lay muttering and bilking, and he had a terrible voice. When she took the book he was reading another. It was 4 in tinmorning when he lit his pipe. She took away the book, but could not get hold oi the pipe ; he hid it. As for a black draught, she renlly knew nothing of such a thing being then given. Mr Burch said he could not go to sleep without talking, and she would not let him go to sleep. Tho Chairman asked if Mr Burch ex-

pOCteil CO ue aiiuweu uu pievuriii- uju utiifi patients having sleep. - Mr Burch said it was 8 a.m. when the purgative was given him ; Nurse- BlflKay gave.it him. The Chairman : Why did you take it. Mr Burch : Because a lady 'brought it. (Laughter) Ugh !it whs fit for a stallion. (Laughter.) The Chairman : But it was ordered you. Mr Burch : Not beiug ordered by me. (Laughter.) Miss Houldgate said she whs sure Nurse McKay would not have given Burch a draught without her orders. Burch had ■ more than one black draught whilst lie he was ill, but never unless he asked for it. She took it upon herself giving an aperient medicine without the docttn ordering it in a surgical case. With regard to the blind, h patient objected to Burch turning it up in tho early morning. as it prevented him sleeping. She allowed Burch his pipe at reasonable hours. Dr Pollen said Burch was a very dirty patient, and one who would have required A lot of talking to. With regard to the Tioy being kept waiting, he (Dr Pollen"; forgot to tell Miss Houloigate to admit the lad. Mr Burch, saying he had no more evidence, was bowed out, the Chairman remarking : " I say, Burch, don't you fall out with the ladies another time." "N<> I won't," said Burch. "Good bye, Mi Burch." Burch hobbled out in the besi of good humor. The following resolution was carried unanimously : — " The acts complained of by Mr Burch were necessary for tho wellbeing and comfort of the other patients, he^ having by his own admission infringed the rules." p. c. milnb's case. Mr Milne was called in and tho following letter read : — •' I have to complain to you of tho harsh and cruel treatment received at the hands of the Matron white 'i.t the hospital. During the first night I was in the hospital I asked - the Matron for a drink of water, which she brought. When I had Bnishiul drinking sin; said, " We can't be attending to you ail night.'!'- I replied, " I don'fc wish you to ; put the water on the chuir where I can reach it."; Instead of doing so she caught hold of my hand with the cup in it. I culled out to her to let go as she was giving me great pain, but she" took no heed aud forced my hand down to the chair,' twisting my arm and causing me intense puin. Several times > during the following day I complained to her about the ( ed having a hollow in it, but she - took no notice of my complaint, saying that it was ail right. I was afraid to usk her to move me after my previous night's experience of her gentle handling, co had to lie as I was and suffer a great amount of needless pain. In tho evening two friends came to sec me. I informed them of my treatment by the : Matron, also how uncomfortable the bed was, and osked them to lift me up; and they being under the impression that I was ordered . to he kept in the position I was in, and also f being afraid of shifting my broken bones, V-wouicl not, and left me as I was. My post--51 tion begun to get unbearable; I was nearly " suffocated and mad with paiu. Somehow by getting my feet in the ironwork of the foot ' ;of the bed I managed to sit up. In doing so . I made some slight nome, which brought the Matron to my bedside She ordered mo back; I refused. She then came to put me back, and being afraid of further rough treatment I lost control of myself and swore at and threatened her, and thus managed to convinceher that I did not mean to allow her to tieat JB6 US she had. Seeing i was determined n«>t : to lie in. the same. bed, she decided to shift s the mattreßS and replace it with a spiing f one.. When she removed tho mattress I had 4 been lying on I noticed two pillows stuck on i top of the lathes to keep up the mattress in K the centre. Hoping you will enquire into the "- above charges at your earliest convenience. ••" —I am, &c, ;. ~ '. , ■ P. E. Miwiu. Miss Houldgate said she gave him the i feeding cup, and put it on the chair and thought he could reach it. She told him to try and roach it, and took his band gently towards the chair to show him he . could. He was so cross ; nothing could be like it. DvY Pollen said Milne's collar bone and ~ yityl w ore broken and his.ehoulder br wised.

.'•lr Biii'cii grivo uvid.'.KiL- tin:' M;ss . i-sMgalo yoi; li nX of Alii uv'.s arm an 1 'IL-!i'iy w .-... iti'.i-. j I \l si'ver.il ;i,,iL.~i to '■' iii ■■■ .:■■ ! u? co'.il.i gei '.hi. 1 c.ip ""• '-- •">' Tig to be up all 11 ic-* 1 1 - -1 "■:'. ''I' it Mil.' . •• Miia-_» i-.y.i >sf : .riueJ by ">L ■ final.!- --'.'..-: Do 110; ve.ihiiibev yoi i;i -'„115 ii|i i t'Ue iii^iir, .0 mi.! imi 1 y<iii tiiv'ng hi-j inks nor wine. I only Know hid y<>.. >r up and I w.-us frightened wiion you .mo near me. If 1 could have lefo I .vould have done ho. Mr Burch : There was a hollow in his Yd ; I heard him complain about, it. I chink he swore both tinius. I would, and inyone here would have done so if they >iad the same treatment. .Mr Milne : I made a complaint to Dr. i'ollwi, and he said he would see about it, aid after that I wa.s fairly treated. Dr. Pollen : Milne came to the Hospital badly bruised and fractured. He was roverish, excitable, and hysterical, and in ;reat pain. The Matron might have been little rough with him ; she did not know ie was in such great pain. lie wa.s very owdy, and roared and yelled. At onu i uue he acted indecently, and swore j ■A: her, and she did not like it. If ■c had done as he was told and kept luiet it would have been bettor fur him. rlilne spoke too rough to her and swore .fc her. When he complained of the hoi • >«- in the bed wo shifted the pillow. Ho . :ik of course uncomfortable, for ho could 'I'll-: support his shoulders with hia injuries. Milne said that after two nights ho had lofching to complain of except noglect by he Matron, aud he was glad she did not vjome near him. Tho other lasses attended to hi ai. A patient named Houlden wa.s called in *;id said that when Miss Houldgato touched Milne's arm to reach the cup she uovod it gently. Ho was always grumbl--.i'4 and complaining. The impression on .itness' mind was not that Milne was be-•\-j. hurt or harshly treated. Milne, (questioned by the Matron) You roughly usisig mo the whole time I vas in the Hospital, and that was why I '■yore. I would, die- in the streets rather han be in th« hospital with you in har;j;e. ! A patient named Jordan deposed that lie Matron c.-illyd on him to give her a -.and wheu «hu was qruini; to givo au inc'Ctiun. Peter yelled out sonic most vile ■:ud disgusting hn<ruage ami threatened 'nor life. lie cursud fearfully. [vfilne : I don't rumeinber it. Jordan : I reckoned he was gone a bit .v tho head. A patient named Kilgour remembered lie language. Miss Huniilgate being recalled and told that Milne could not recollect having used •'iich fearful language, said if she had icied as ho did she would never have .(.-collected it; slio would havo boon ■shamed of it. Tha^ was what she had to >u( up with. IK- would nob let. her un- ' 'iv;;.s him when he was admitted. He sat >n the bed and would not let her go near him. i_>r Pollen said there was no doubt he was roaring. He had an extra sensidveless of tho nerves and he was excited. The Chairman did not. think Milne had ■ < clear recollection of what happened. The parties having been dismissed, Mr Brown remarked that it seemed she. vas probably not so very kind. Her ■iifinner was not. in her favor, and she was lerhaps not as soothing as she might haye 1 een. All opinion was expressed that there wa.s clothing grave in the complaint. It was resolved that some (if the Trustees see Mr ir. Bull, who was with Milne when aduitted, in order to uscertain what treatment he then received. The meeting then .adjourned.