CORRESPONDENCE

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2225, 31 October 1907, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE

[Correspondence on public matters is welcomed at all times, but it-must bo distinctly understood .that tins journal is in no way associated with tlie opinions of its rorrespoiulents.J

THE O’DOAVD CASE

[To tub Editor.]

Sir.—l have read with great interest tho correspondence carried on m your paper as regards the above case 1 see nothing else there hut the usual way of expressing one’s feelings, which as a rule are of a personal nature. AVouUl it not be lar bettor to invito llie public to suggest some remedies, which would make that sorter tiling impossible in the future. There is a man, who with groat care lias brought his offspring up to an ago when that- boy would have been a great help to his father, but through the carelessness of several people he has his hopes shattered to the ground, and his son gels crippled for life, or may never got over it at The question arises: How can this sort of thing happen at our enlightened age? That there is something seriously wrong in tho management of this hospital can well be taken for granted, especially as I have heard rumors of other eimiliar eases bolore. Having boon myself a patient there for some weeks and seen how things are carired on; I came to tins opinion, and in expressing it I do so with the knowledge ol giving- voice for those of many other patients as, well. , . ... , It seems to ho the rule in tins hospital of ours that when t-lio doctor makes his appearance, and goes Ins round, tho matron will take it upon herself to ayiswor any questions which are put to the patients, and tho patient-, having enough common sense to know that, his lot would not be a happy one if ho contradicted this worthy lady, lots it pass. So whatever may go wrong it may never get to the doctor’s ears. The doctor also may order a certain medicine, when again tho matron will elect herself as judge and say:—“Well, we tVcii not feed her, or him, on that, it is too expensive,” and therefore the patient will not get it. Yet the doctor is under tlie belief that Ins patient is treated according to orders and probably wonders why ho docs not get hotter. Ono moro word, as regards the nurses, they are about the best muses it has over been my lot to come across, and I for one do not wish to cast any slur upon these, but rather would compliment them on the way they carry on their work under such adverse circumstances. They deservo only praise, and I have never heard a' single bad word uttered against them. As regards tho trustees of the hospital, 1 cannot sec how they can glean any information as regards the patients as they also tako the matron only as the mouthpiece. This lady is held in fear by tlio nurses, and therefore will not be contradicted, and as tho trustees seem to be men who think moro of their comfort than tho duties of their position they will not mako any inquiries, which may make some trouble. They are therefore, entirely unfitted to hold a position of trust, as they do more harm than good. Now, Sir, I invite anybody to write to me under the name below, to this payer; state his of her grievances, and we will see into this matter. The correspioiideneo will be kept strictly private, and the information so gained will only bo made use of for tlio betterment of tho hospital. Anyone haring reliable information of anything ill connection with this concern will be kind enough for the sa’ko of humanity to write to me, and with tlio help of several others I will do my best to investigate matters. I do not, sign my name, as it would do mare harm than good to do so at •this stage, but letters directed to the “Times,” will find me. Hoping that this may he the foundation to a better svstom.—l am, etc.. “INQUIRER.” Gisborne, October 29.