A YOUNG SHUNTER’S DEATH

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 54, 27 November 1926, Page 15

A YOUNG SHUNTER’S DEATH

GAS GANGRENE FOLLOWS AMPUTATION

HOSPITAL PORTER’S ERROR

Dominion Special.

Dunedin, November 26.

That death was caused by toxaemia, following a very virulent infection, from injuries received by being accidentally crushed while shunting in the Dunedin railway goods yard on November 12, was the verdict returned by the Coroner (Mr. H. W. Bundle, S.M.) this morning at the inquest on Thomas McAuliffe, a young shunter. The inquest bad been adjo«rn“d as the previous evidence was that deceased was ■injured at 9.10 a.m. and was not admitted to hospital till 10.40 a.m. The Coroner found that a peculiar error had been made by the porter at the hospital in the entry of the _ time of admittance, that that the time was 9.30 a.m. There was no delay, and even in the yards attention had been given to McAuliffe. Speaking of the treatment meted out to the deceased, the Coroner said: “Immediate steps were taken. The ambulance was called and evervtbwg possible was done for the deceased, who was taken to the hospital and immediately admitted. Unfortunately troubles, supervened and on November 14 gas gangrene set in. An amputation of the leg was necessary and was carried out. His condition improved, but at 10.30 a.m. he had taken a sudden turn and died within ten rninutes. When pas gangrene set in there was verv little hope for the man, but all care was taken. The reason for the adjournment of the inquest was a peculiar mistake that had arisen. The hospital admission book showed that deceased was admitted at 10.40 a.m. Obviously it was a mistake, but it was advisable to have the matter cleared up. Evidence has been produced this morning to show conclusively that the i*ece3sed was admitted to the hospital without delay nt 9.30 a.m. and not as stated in the book at 10.40 a.m.”