THE HOSPITAL INQUIRY.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2158, 25 January 1881, Page 3

THE HOSPITAL INQUIRY.

TO THE HDITOB OF THB Sißj—l would ba much obliged if you will kindly publish the enclosed letter received from the Colonial Secretary in answer to the representation made by a large majority of the medical profession of Christchurch in reference to the action of the Hospital Board in connection with Dr. Skae’a inquiry. Whilst wo regret that Government has apparently not the power to take active steps in the matter, we think it clear from the terms of this letter that the opinion expressed in our representation is endorsed by the highest authority in the land. Yours, &c., O. Moeton Andeebow. Sydenham, January 24th, 1881.

(Oopy.) Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, January 18th, 1881. SIE, —I am directed by the Colonial Secretary to acknowledge the receipt of a letter, dated the 6th inst., and signed by yourself and a number of legally qualified medical men, resident in tho Christchurch health district, calling attention to the failure, as reported by a Royal Commission, of certain authorities of the Christchurch Hospital to report cases of typhoid fever treated in that institution, and requesting the Government to take steps to carry out to its legitimate ending the verdict of the Commissioner, Dr. Skae. The Colonial Secretary has also received a letter from the Hospital Board, conveying an assurance that the recommendations contained in Dr Skae's report as to keeping authentic records of the symptoms and treatment of all cases received into the Hospital shall be carried out.

He has further received a reply from the Hospital Staff, whose conduct was the subject of inquiry, protesting against the judgment of the Commissioner.

The whole circumstances having thus been brought under the consideration of the Government, the case has received their careful attention, and I »m directed to convey to you the decision whioh they have come to.

The Government have no reason to doubt the satisfactory character of the enquiry instituted by Dr. Skae, or the correctness of the conclusions arrived at by him, and they regret that the Hospital Staff should, on the grounds stated by them, have thought fit to protest against his judgment. Whatever opinion may be entertained as to the action of the Board in re-appointing the Hospital Staff, notwithstanding the circumstances reported by Dr. Skae, there is no doubt that the Board have in this matter acted within the scope of their authority, and the appointment of the Staff will necessarily hold good for twelve months ; moreover, there is every reason to believe that due precautions have now been taken to prevent further irregularities. In view of these facts, and considering the temporary nature of the arrangements under which the Christchurch Hospital and similar institutions are now administered, pending legislation in the approaching session of Parliament, it is the opinion of the Government that it would not be expedient for them to pursue the matter further at the present time. I have, &o, G. S. Coofeb. 0. Morton Anderson, Esq., Christchurch.