SEACLIFF FIRE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21112, 4 June 1943, Page 5

SEACLIFF FIRE

OPEN DECISION NO CAUSE FOUND REPORT OF COMMISSION (P.R.) WELLINGTON. May 28. “Considering all the possible factors we are unable to offer any opinion as to the origin of the fire which can be of any value: we must leave the matter entirely open." This comment is contained in the report of the Royal Commission which investigated the fire at the Seacliff Mental Hospital, in which the lives of 37 women patients were lost. The report was presented to Parliament to-day. The commission stated that while admitting the possibility that the lire was electrically caused, it had not been shown satisfactorily that it was. The action of rats afforded a possible explanation, but there was no evidence to that end. The possibility that the fire was due to the action of a patient could not be disregarded, but there was no evidence justifying such a conclusion. “Wo are of the very definite opinion that irrespective of the number of patients accommodated. Ward 5 (where the fire occurred) was dangerous in respect of fire hazard," stated the report. “We are of the opinion that this danger was due to the original design of the building, which did not make proper provision for protection from fire.” The report praised the work of the (ire-fighters, but added that the water pressure was not, sufficient. The commission also expressed the opinion that the hospital staff was inadequate in numbers to provide the requisite supervision of all patients at all times It was unfortunate that in Ward 5. probably owing to the shortage of staff, a nurse was not on duty at all times during the night. There was no evidence of any dereliction of duty. Commission’s Recommendations

A number of recommendations were contained in the report, which stressed the view of expert witnesses that wards should be of one-storey and built on the villa system. The commission was of the opinion that all new wards or adjoining buildings should be constructed of fire-resisting material and be spaced to provide adequate firebreaks. Where it was necessary to lock patients in rooms by doors and window shutters, it should be possible to install in each room an emergency exit opening from the outside. ' It was suggested that the superintendent" of the metropolitan fire brigade nearest each institution should be asked to examine existing fire escapes. The installation of a modern automatic alarm system in Seacliff and similar institutions was suggested, and also the employment of ah officer to be in charge of the fire brigades at these institutions, which should be equipped with modern rescue gear.

In the commission’s opinion some of the • buildings were unsuitable according to modern ideas. Ward D, in particular, should be pulled down or remodelled. The buildings ns a whole were unsuitable for the staff to carry out its duties in the best interests "of the patients. “We were greatly impressed by the difficulties under which the administrative staff of Seacliff and other mental hospitals labour owing to the shortage of nursing staff.” added the report. “As a temporary measure it might be of assistance to institute a campaign to bring back during the war period nurses who had had experience in mental hospitals and might be willing to assist." It was further suggested that the status ol nurses in mental hospitals be improved to attract young women seeking employment with an assured future.