INVERCARGILL HOSPITAL.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 332, 16 July 1875, Page 3

INVERCARGILL HOSPITAL.

EXTRAORDINARY CASE OF NEGLECT. The following instance of want of proper management is telegraphed to the Dunedin papers from Invercargill:—. A "distressing death, which, from the rumors afloat, has excited the keenest attention, occurred at the hospital here on Wednesday. It appeers that Henderson, the driver of the mail-coach between Mataura and Popotunoi, was admitted to the hospital on Sunday morning, suffering from inflammation of the lungs. The regular visiting medical officer was unwell on that day, and no ■ other medical man was called in. On Monday the hospital' surgeon saw Henderson, and prescribed.Next day he became somewhat delirious,"' and was removed to the Lunatic Asylum, nearly adjoining. Early on Wednesday morning he got away from the ward, with only his shirt and drawers on, and was found by a carter, about 8 o'clock, two and a-half miles' from town, the weather being boisterous, cold, and wet. On being taken back to the hospital, it appears he was put into a cell without a fire, and becoming more delirious, his hands and feet were tied to the bunk. Some time afterwards, Mr. George Maitland and one of the Hospital Committee called to see hiiil, and entering the cell found him dead, although the attendants of the hospital were not aware of it. lhe following is the verdict of the Jury:—We find, in conformity with the medical evidence adduced, that the deceased died from double pneumonia and peritonitis, hastened by exposure, he having escaped with but slight clothing from the hospital, in very inclement weather. We further desire to add, as a rider, that it is with regret we consider it our duty to record our opinion that the medical and general supervision and arrangements of the hospital, as exemplified by this case, have been insufficient and extremely defective, and demand the 8 strictest investigation by the Committee of Management; that immediate steps require to be taken for the appointment of a resident surgeon; and that, provision should be made for greater accommodation and a more efficient staff."