ST. HELEN'S HOSPITAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 299, 10 May 1913, Page 5

ST. HELEN'S HOSPITAL.

THE COMMISSIONER'S REPORT. By Telegraph—Press Association.' Wellington, Last Night. The report by Mr. Kettle, S.M,, oh the Auckland St. Helen's Hospital enquiry, and the circumstances surrounding the death of Mrs. Laura E. Chamberlain, was made public this evening. The document deals at great length with the allegations as to the treatment in the Chamberlain case. The Commissioner expresses the opinion that Chamberlain's condition was very unsatisfactory immediately after her confinement, and as her condition apparently grew worse Dr. Inglis, the mental officer, should hate consulted with Dr. Brockway, Chamberlain's family adviser, or some other experienced practitioner. The evidence did not entirely satisfy the Commissioner that every step was taken during the earlier stages of the patient's illness to ascertain the true cause of her high and increasing temperature. The evidence did not satisfy the Commissioner that the matron had failed to provide Mrs. Cham- • berlain during her confinement with the necessary and ordinary comforts and requirements. He is of opinion that it is not advisable for matrons in'maternity homes or midwiveß in private practice to be permitted to suture ruptures, except in cases of absolute necessity, and when the services of a 'medical practitioner cannot be obtained. The Commissioner says that the building is unsuitable, but as to the general management of the'' hospital there is no real ground for complaint. Regarding Mrs. Nichol's complaint as to the treatment of patients, the Commissioner finds the evidence conflicting. The allegations are not established in sonic cases, and in one the medical officer should have visited the patient after she had been in labor 24 hours, and conferred with the matron as to what, if anything, should be done to; relieve the patient. The Commissioner makes a number of recommendations, including the erection of a new and pro-perly-equipped building, a revision at the Act and regulations governing it: Among other thing he suggests consultations between medical officers and other medical practitioners as to the treatment of patients in cases of seTious illness or operations. He also recommends that the whole costs of the enquiry be paid by. the Hospitals Department.