THE HOSPITAL DIFFICULTY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 60, 20 July 1907, Page 2

THE HOSPITAL DIFFICULTY.

DELIRIUM TREMENS PATIENTS. Dr Vulintiue has written to the chairman of the Taranaki Hospital Board as follows:—"With reference to the interview 1 had with your Board on July Bth, I have the honor to submit the following particulars with regard to the admission to your Hospital of insane patients, or those suffering from do'.irium tremens. As regards the former, your Hoard is within its rights in disclaiming responsibility, but it would be unwise to refuse admission to such cases untilthey could be duly certified and removed to a meutal hospital. I understand from Dr Hay that during the present session the new Lunacy Act will require hospital boards to provide a room, or rooms, at the hospital for the temporary accommodation of the insane. By such moans it will be impossible to do' away with the present system of examining such cases at police stations, or gaols, which is certainly unfair to patients and relatives. As regards delirium tremens i patients such as mentioned in your letter of July 10th, I have interviewed the Commissioner of Police, who informed me that in future the polico will assist Boards in providing constables to watch such patients until, in the opinion of the attendant, the assistance of a constable is no longer required. For delirium tremens patients sent to the hospital in the ordinary way, i.e., not through the agency of the police, the Board will have to provide a special attendant if such is considered necessary."