MISS PORTER’S DEATH.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 May 1923, Page 1

MISS PORTER’S DEATH.

HOSPITAL BOARD OPENS INQUIRY. [by teleg it Am— -per r a ess association.] WELLINGTON, Alay 14. The Hospital Board opened an inquire to-day .regarding the allegations of undue delay in the admission of Phyllis Porter, a member of the “Peep Show” Company, v.ho died as the result of burns received through her dress catching fire on the stage at the Opera House. Evidence was given by Miss Barber, Roy Steyne and John Farrell on the lines given at the inquest. Farrell withdrew his previous statement that the 'hospital had been telephoned that the case was oil its way to the institution. ATiss Barber said the accident occurred at 8.10. The patient was at the hospital about 8.20 or 8.25 and the doctor saw her between 8.55 and 9.10. Steyne said that the doctor did not see the patient from the time she arrived until she was taken into the ward. The delay occurred after leaving the Children’s Ward. Farrell said that the doctor came down and carried on as if he had all day. He told the doctor he would complain about the delay, and the doctor said he could complain anywhere ho liked. The doctor also said he thought the patient was a child, because one of the porters told him. It must have been after nine when the doctor arrived at tlie ward. Witness told the doctor aftonvnrsd that he was casual and careless over the ease. Gordon Gordon, porter at the hos pital, said that he distinctly heard someone say, “She’s only a child, and is in great pain.” There was no undue delay. Tho hospital attendants went for their lives. AntcH, another porter, said that Farrell referred to the patient as a “poor child” and a “poor kiddie.” There was n slight delay at No. 2, but no undue delay. Dr Wilson, superintendent, interjected: There must have been some delay as a bed bad to be made up. Air Farrell to witness: I think you were all astray that night. Witness: Well, there was a lot of rushing about. It was an exceptional night. Farrell: If there was no delay why did you say to Aims Barber that the delay was terrible? Witness: J was sorry for the girl, and there had been so much delay in going to the children’s ward. Peter Turnbull, said that he was on telephone duty that night, and heard Barrel 1 refer to the patient as a child. He telephoned the doctor that there was tyt urgent case, and llial fie j believed it to he a child. Dr Baird, who was the doctor concerned, said that tlie message he got was that a child had been badly burned. As the patient could speak, he knew she was in no immediate danger, and lie sent her to the children’s ward, Imt then was told her age, and ordered her to No. 2. This ward could not. lake her, and she was sent to No. T. He was given the first call at 8.30. After treating her, ho returned to hi l ! quarters before nine o’clock.