DEATH FROM EXPOSURE.

Evening Star, Issue 3863, 12 July 1875, Page 3

DEATH FROM EXPOSURE.

The inquiry into the cause of death of William Henderson, driver of the mail coach between Invercargill and Balclutha, which was commenced on Thursday, concluded on Saturday, having been adjourned from day to day. The following facts were elicted: —From the evidence of Dr Yorath it appeared that deceased had been removed to the hospital at the suggestion of a friend, and when witness last saw him alive he did not show any signs of delirium, nor did witness think deceased's case was hopelesi—he thought hewas going on very wall. On removal from the hotel to the hospital, ifc would be necessary to place a man in deceased'* state in a warm room with a fire, and free from any draughts; exposure accelerated death, but he could not say to what extent. Delirious patients should never be left alone for a moment. Deceased made his escape from the room in which he had been placed while the wardsman was absent. The medical dispenser Btated—"After deceased's re-capture, and before the doctor's arrival, he was placed in the room in which he died, and which was the best at our disposal and the only one in which he could be safely kept. His hands and feet were secured with pieces of soft calico, and he was fastened to the bed. There was no one specially watching him after that, but the wardaman, cook, and myself went to and fro to the room. The doctor saw deceased when he was tied down, and tacitly consented to all that had been done—made no objection. Deceaseds feet were'cold, but we gave him some port wine, and did our best to keep him warm. It did not occur to me that it would be advisable to put hot bottles to his feet. 11 e might have been left alon« for short periods—not more than fifteen minutes. In tying deerased very little force was used —wo persuaded Mm. When brought back deceased's clothes were wet.'' It transpired that on the day deceased escaped Dr Gngor was absent from the hospital from ill health. Dr Grigor thought, from his knowledge of the progress of the disease, that deceased could not have recovered even if he had not esc iped and been re-captured. Both medical admitted the necessity of th»re being a resident surgeon at the hospital. Tne following is the verdict of the coroner's jury : —" We find, in conformity with the medical evidence adduced, that the deceased died from double pneumonia and peritonitis, hastened by exposure, he having escaped with but slight clothing from the hospital, in very inclement weather. We further desire to add, as a rider, that it is with regret we consider it our duty to record our opinion that the medical aud general supervision and arrangements of the hospital, as exemplified by this cas?, have been insufficient and extremely defective, and demand the strictest investigation by the Committee oi Management; that immediate steps require to be taken for the appointment of a | resident surgeon; and that provision should be made for greater accommodation and a more efficient staff."