NURSE’S DISMISSAL

Hokitika Guardian, 28 November 1928, Page 3

NURSE’S DISMISSAL

BEINSTATEMENT OFFERED

'By Telegraph—Press Association)

AUCKLAND, Nov. 24

Strong comment upon the violation ot the .secrecy' ordinarily observed regarding letters placed in the post for delivery was made by mein'oers of the Auckland Hospital Board to-night, when, Nurse E. A. Blaekie, who wa■ recently dismissed b v the Special Committee for writing to a prisoner in Mt. Eden Gaol, after he had been a patient at the hospital, appeared before the Board wiLit a request that her case slmuid bo reconsidered.

After hearing the contents of Miss. Blackie’s written explanation, members declined to take the responsibility of punishing her. This attitude was adopted on the ground that tno document forwarded by her to the prisoner should never have been placed in the hands of the Medical Superintendent, Dr C. E. Maguire, and it was decided that provided Nurse Blaekie made an apology to the Matron, Miss A. Taylor, about whom she admitted making a rather indiscreet statement, she should be reinstated in "her former position.

Dr Maguire; Medical Superintendent, said the letter was shown to him by. a person from the gaol. Mr .T, Dempsey, a member of the Board, said whoever showed the lette> to Dr Maguire, committed a very serious Breach of the postal regulations. Mr M. J. Coyle, another mom her. said the nurse merely-- said the Matron was soft, and the Matron took exoop tion to that. “T. suppose if she ha-’ called her a hard old thing, the Mat ron would have taken it as a oompli mont,” he said. “We cannot blame the girl for an indiscretion, and i the Board punishes her for it he’ whole life will he blighted.” A resolution that the nurse he reinstated, provided she apologises to the Matron, was carried unanimously.