RECENT DEATH IN GAOL.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1650, 17 January 1913, Page 3

RECENT DEATH IN GAOL.

Following on the death of a prisoner at the Terrace Gaol an.old problem has again arisen. The problem is: What to do with delirium tremens cases under arrest? "'. ■ .

Councillor M'Kenzie recently communicated with Mr Coyle, secretary of tlio Hospital Board, recommending him. to bring tho matter before the House Committee of the Hospital. , ,;".:'■ The matter was discussed at the last meeting of the House Committee; which recommended the Hospital Committee, as follows:—"That the hospital, as at present constituted, is not considered a' fit place for the reception and. treatment of delirium tremens cases? Ar yesterday's meeting of tho Hospital Committee tho recommendation camo up for discussion." The Be v. H. Van Staveren considered that it was necessary that tho public should be mado awaro of tho fact that these cases could not bo treated at tho General Hospital. Mr. Baldwin stated that having regard fpt tho welfare of tho other patients, it was cruel to ask the hospital to receive x such cases. ■••''' ' It was mentioned at tho meeting that tho less violent coses wcro . at present actually received always provided that there was police attendance on tho patient. This was tho practico throughout tho country. Tho,chairman (Mr. Godber) said that it was detrimental to the other patients and to tho nursing staff that violent cases should .bo admitted to the hospital. Tho House Committee'srccommendation wbb adopted. The question will probably come up again at tho next meeting of tho full board. _^