THE O’DOWD CASE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2049, 28 November 1907, Page 2

THE O’DOWD CASE.

THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS. The case of Joseph O’Dowd, wlioso treatment at the Hospital was the cause of a good -deal of correspondence in' the “Times,” was much in evidence a.t the meeting if tho Hospital Trustees last night. Among the outward correspondence was a letter to the InspectorGeneral of Hospitals, enclosing copies of tho “Gisborne Times” con-

taining correspondence and editor ; al comment- regarding the O’Dowd case.

A letter was received from the

Inspector-General stating that be was waiting for tho Trustees’ report on the case. The following letter was received from Mr. O’Dowd:

“In reply to yours of the 9th inst., I hereby submit my complaint against the_ authorities of your institution, viz.:—

“That there was gross neglect in the treatment of my boy, Joseph, while he was an inmu.te of the Hospital, which neglect directly contributed to the loss of his leg, which had to be amputated on the same day that he was removed by mo to a private hospital.

“That he was discharged from tile Hospital as cured on the Siturday before his leg was amputated. “fn the circumstances I feel it incumbent on me to request a full and impartial inquiry into my charge against the medical staff and matron of the institution. I am prepared to submit evidence before any Commissioner or person authorised by the Inspector-General of Mbspitals, and .should prefer thatall evidence be taken upon oath, as otherwise it would probablv be Valueless.”

Mr. Matthews..said that t-lie inquiry should be placed in the hands of the Inspector-General. It whs just as well that the inquiry should be made outside the Trustees.

The Chairman said the best course seemed to be to send Mr. O’Dowd’s letter direct to the Inspeetor-Gene-ra 1.

Mr. Matthews said that copies ot the statements collected by the Visiting Committee should bo sent to the Inspector-General. It was; finally decided to forward Mr. O’Dowd’s letter and copies of the statements to the Inspector! General.