Dr. Berry's Service

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 42, 5 March 1937, Page 6

Dr. Berry's Service

Sir, — It is to the credit of Napier that those of the public present at Friday's meeting evinced a spirit -of justice and loyalty to our worthy Dr. Allan Berry. In a letter re that meeting, a correspondent states, in your columns, he does not consider Dr. Berry and others had a fair deal, and so it seems. Take, for instance, the cause of infection in the Shrimpton Ward cases. Why was it not stated that, though. one death occurred, still, that patient was not the original source of the trouble, but the unfortunate victim of the malady of a child who had been previously admitted, and who suffered from the same complaint? Had this statement been elicited much would have "been done to enable the public to see thie matter in a truer light. Then, regarding the treatment of those patients. Does not Dr. Berry de- ' serve the very highest credit for. his skilful treatment of those helpless children who are now reeoveredf After all, the treatment, though it may sound drastie to the lay mind, is the recognised method employed by the medical profession, and the other doctof" (whoever he may be) mnst feel very grateful that such beneficial work was done. Desperate cases need desperate iemedies, and all know that Dr. Berry, with his undaunted courage, brings to bear his skilful knowledge and treatment on every case that comes under his care. He gives of his very best— rich or poor. His is that inexpressjbly valuable interest in the actual work it- . self, constituting himself a boon to the suffering, and also, a loyal'friend and advi^er. Though so wonderful a surgeon jhe never resorts to operating where ordinary medical treatment will avail. His reteearch work, too, is ample proof of his untiringly patient interest in the sick, and the ^ritish Medical Assoeiation, of London, recognises this by the inclnsion of results of his efforts in their journal. Were it not. for his tie to his homeland as a patriot he could and would be at the present moment one of the first surgeons in the home of surgery — Harley Street, London, so it behoves all just persons to accord him the credit due for his able treatment of those children for whom he had so much pity and sympathy.- An unfortunate retort made at Friday's meeting is only a further proof of the unjust, tyrannical attitude adopted. Throngh it all, though, and to the honour and gloiy of Dr. Berry, be it said, his is a nature not marred ,by the petty Mtterness that looms so largely and so frequently in those with whom we come in daily contact, otherwise he would have a very different outlook on his work and humanity in generaL Hoping that this humble attempt may help towards the position, and thanking . you for your valuable fepace. — Yours, etc^ "LOVER OF JTJSTICE," Napier, March 4. *