MIDWIFE CHARGED.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 May 1926, Page 1

MIDWIFE CHARGED.

BREACHES OF THE ACT. [IIY TELEGRAPH PER PRESS ASSOCIATION, j AUCKLAND, May 27. The prosecution of Mrs E. •). Fullerton Whyte, formerly licensee of “Willesdcn ” and “ Fencourt ” Private Hospitals, for alleged breaches of the Hospital and Charitable Institutions Act in relation to maternity patients was continued in the Police Court today. The charge that defendant had permitted a patient to occupy the same room willi another patient exhibiting signs of morbidity was withdrawn.

For the defence, -Mr A. Moody said that, in regard to the charge relating to Mrs Cirimby. there was only her statement in support of the allegation. In respect to Mrs Hamilton, it had been shown that the temperature charts, produced, had been corroborated. It had been the custom to take the temperatures and Mrs FullertonWhyte had always given careful in-sli-uctions.

The Magistrate, Alr-F. I\. Hunt

“This case is six months old. It is a pity that action was not taken more promptly.” Mr Moody ?aid tlial it was not until October 20th, 1925, that AHs Fuller-ton-Whyte had ascertained that there was any suggestion of suspicion temperatures.

The .Magistrate—“ She took steps to clear the hospital on October 20th. It seems hard that she should bo prosecuted for any alleged breach on that* day."

Ala- A foody said that every doctor in Auckland could certify ns to the conduct of “ Willesden.”

The Magistrate—“ AVo will assume that.”

Counsel said that the Health Department had raised no objection to Afi\s Fullerton-AVbyte continuing at

“Fencourt” after •• Wiilesden ” had been dosed. She had not attended confinements at “ Wiilesden.”

The -Magistrate—“ There is evidence tlial. she examined a patient.” Air Aioodv— “ That is denied. Airs Sylvia Alay AfnoKny said she entered " YVillesilen ” on October 3rd. and left on October 29th. She was in the same room as Edwards. Airs Hamilton was also in tlie room for some time. -Mrs Fullerton-AVhyte did not attend to the patients. She was sure the patient who alleged that Airs Fu Horton - Wl l yto had examined her was mistaken.

In reply to the Magistrate, witness said her temperature had not been taken every day.

Defendant, in evidence, said her experience extended over ten years. She had employed two other registered nurses, and was authorised to conduct both “Wiilesden” and “Fencourt.”

Wiilesden ” had been in her charge for nine years. The nurse at “ AA’illesden ” had instructions to take the temperatures regularly. On October 20th witness received a report that A firs Strong’s temperature was 101 degrees. AY he n the temperature was still high, on tlie following morning, witness advised Dr Hughes.

The ease was adjourned till to-mor-row.