REFUSED TO SEE DOCTOR.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 18761, 27 December 1930, Page 6

REFUSED TO SEE DOCTOR.

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE HOME DEATH. "Christian Scientists have a perfect right to their religious convictions, but in this case it is a pity a doctor was not called in,” said the coroner at an inquest at Sunbury on Miss Joan Blackstock, aged 45, an accountant, employed by the "Christian Science Monitor,” of Aldelphi Terrace, Strand. Miss Blackstock, it was stated, died from tuberculosis at the Christian Scientists’ home at Sunbury, and Dr Stuart Gordon said that had he been called to see the woman five weeks before, he could have eradicated the Miss Blackstock’s brother told the coroner (Mr Reginald Kemp) that his sister was a Christian Scientist. She was strong and healthy until she met with an accident in April. At her own request she went into the home, and when he last saw her he thought she was looking ill. The Coroner: Did you suggest a doctor? —No, she was a very strong Christian Scientist, and would not see one. Evidence was then given that on April 6 Miss Blackstock slipped ,on the polished floor in the office. Apart from being slightly dazed she did not complain of an injury and continued her work. The matron of the home, Mrs Rachel Till, said Miss Blackstock was admitted to the home in June suffering from trouble with her hip. The Coroner: What qualifications have you for carrying on this home? — Mrs Till: I am a fully trained nurse. Mrs Till added that for a time Miss Blackstock got stronger, but began to less strength about five weeks ago, and died on Wednesday. The Coroner: Did you call in a doctor when you found she was gettingworse?—No, we are not allowed to, and Miss Blackstock did not wish it. Dr Gordon said he found extensive tuberculosis disease of the right hip, the result of the fail. The Coroner, returning a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, made the remark quoted above.