DEATH UNDER ANAESTHETIC

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 118, 16 February 1928, Page 7

DEATH UNDER ANAESTHETIC

4 NO BLAME ATTACHABLE TQ HOSPITAL. Dominion Special Service. Christchurch, February 15. “In this case it is highly satisfactory from tlio public’s point of view, and from tho Coronor’s point of view, that it is obvious that Allen's death was in no wise due to the actions of the hospital authorities. The authorities took every possible precaution, and carried out the operation with consummate care, and a special anaesthetic was administered, in a futile attempt to save the man’s life.” These remarks were made by Mr. E. D. Mosley, Coroner, at the conclusion of tho inquest concerning the death of Joseph Allen, a fanner, of Templeton, who died while under an anaesthetic at tho Christchurch Hospital yesterday. “It will be a consolation to all concerned,” added Mr. Mosley, “to know that Allen would have died within eighteen hours —even had the operation not been performed.” Dr. E. C. Hayes, who had been attending the deceased, staled that Allen had been in ill-health for some time, and was suffering from strangulated hernia., necessitating an immediate operation. It was a very dangerous thing to administer an anaesthetic, but it had to bo done.. Dr. AV. M. Cotter, assistant surgeon at the hospital, said that Allen stopped breathing almost immediately after the first incision was made. Artificial respiration was carried out,. and cardiac massage waa resorted to without effect. Tho Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with tho medical evidence.