SWAB IN PATIENT

Hokitika Guardian, 26 June 1931, Page 5

SWAB IN PATIENT

DOCTOR LOSSES AN APPEAL. Alleged negligence' on the part of a doctor during an operation was mentioned in the English Court of Appeal* when the doctor appealed against- the verdict and judgment in an action in which damages amounting to £2IOO were awarded against him with costs. The appellant was Dr John Dunlop, of Abereavn, 'Monmouth. The action was brought by Mrs E. M. L. James, of •Llanidloes, Montgomery, on bebalf of herself and her child before Mr Justice Branson and a special jury at Shrewsbury Assizes in February. She claimed damages respecting the death of her husband.

Counsel for Dr Dunlop, stated that one allegation of negligence was that in the course of an operation Dr Dunlop performed on Mr James, a swab, or pack, was left n the bpdv of the patient in consequence of which he- died. The jury found against the doctor with regard to the matter of the presence of the swab.

Lord Justice Scrutfon remarked that the court had to consider whether the jury might reasonably come to the verdict- they did. Though there were other conclusions which they might- also have reasonably come, to, he came to the conclusion that the court could not interfere with the verdict. The appeal must be dismissed.