HOSPITAL TRAGEDY

Hokitika Guardian, 14 January 1929, Page 6

HOSPITAL TRAGEDY

MISHAP WITH CARBOLIC ACID. LADY DOCTOR’S.TRAGTC END. ..... (Australian Press Association). (United Service). .. • GORE, January 12. A sad accident, resulting in the death of Dr A. Mathieson, resident lady medical officer at Gore Hospital occurred at that.institution this afternoon. ■ ■■: ’ Dr Mathieson was working with carbolic acid when by some means the bottle was smashe<l and. thq acid splashed over her body and 'face, and it immediately began its deadly work. Dr Mathieson , also sii.ffer.ed . from, shock and in a- short while became unconscious. . ..... -. j i > ' jt)r Lillie' was immediately called in and resuscitation efforts continued for three h'otlrs. These efforts were of no avail. Dr Mathieson slowly sank ami hef' death occurred between' 3;50 nml 2 o’clbek :this afternoon./ ; • • Dr Mathieson came to, Gore Hospital from Dunedin some four or five months ago and proved herself a very popular-, and efficient officer. INQUEST VERDICT. ; . ; ' ' GORE, January 12. .At the inquest on Dr A. Alatliieson,. the resident lady medical officer at Gore Hospital, whose death occurred on Saturday afternoon, the evidence showed deceased was lilting a heavy bottle of .■.carbolic;- nc-id when deceased.-being." severely.’ spattered. The doctor called for assistance and collapsed.- The usual measures were resorted to, artificial respiration being .carried oh 'for. throo- 'hours mid tlie medical'opinion was.that; death i was; due to severe shock following extensive skin' injury, the occurrence without doubt being a pure accident. A verdict along these lines "was ..returned by the Coroner. The deceased was 28 years of age. ‘