THAMES HOSPITAL INVESTIGATION.

Thames Star, Volume VI, Issue 1840, 25 November 1874, Page 2

THAMES HOSPITAL INVESTIGATION.

HIS HONOR THE SUPERINTENDENT

AND THE COMMITTEE

By request the Thames Hospital Committee waited upon His Honor the Superintendent this morning at 10 o'clock at the Government Buildings. There were present—Mr Wm. Howe, President; Revs. V. Lush and J. Hill; Messrs Bagnail, Gudgeon, Kennan, Macnab, McCullough, McDonald, Mcllhone, Kenshaw, Souter, Sims and Tyler. His Honor said at the request of Mr Howe he had caused an enquiry into a matter that had caused some uneasiness on the Thames, that of the supposed neglect of a patient named Power. He had appointed two gentlemen to make all necessary enquiries, and had now their written statement before him. He had only requested them to make enquiries, not to express any opinions. He had done so, that after getting all the statements he might be in a position himself to give an opinion. He said he came totally unbiassed to the enquiry, and had invited two medical gentlemen—Drs Lee and Goldsboro' —to assist him ; but at the last moment before leaving Auckland yesterday morning he had received a letter from the latter gentleman stating that urgent private business prevented him from going to the Thames to assist in the Hospital enquiry. Dr Lee had como with him and it was intended originally that he should accompany Dr Philscn in the first enquiry. His Horsor said that he would like another medical man and intended to telegraph for Dr Hooper to come by to-night's boat. He did not wish to go into the enquiry by himself, but if the committee suggested any medical man on the Thames, either Drs Perston, Payne, or any other qualified man, he would not send to Auckland. Mr Rowe had told him, however, that all the medical men on the Thames had more or less, expressed opinions on the matter.

Mr Eowe stated lie did not intend His Honor to understand that the medical gentlemen on the Thames had expressed opinions, but that they nearly all belonged to the Hospital. His Honor continued that he was sorry that a religious feeling had been introduced into the enquiry. Mr Mellhone informed His Honor that as far as he understood the opinion of the committee there was, in their minds, no religious question mixed up with the inquiry. His Honor then said, to avoid even the appearance of such, he wished to proceed in a very cautious manner, and wished the opinion of the Committee as to whether he would proceed with the assistance of Pr Lee or wait until another gentleman arrived from Auckland:

COMMITTEE CONSULTATION.

Ihe committee then retired to discuss the matter, when the Rev V. Lush suggested that the Superintendent should telegraph for the official opinion of Dr Philson.

Mr Mcllhono said the Committee had asked the Government to give a decision on the matter, and therefore they should not direct the Government who they were to ask ov appoint in the matter. '

Mr TyliT said be agreed with Mr Mcllkom', as also did Mr Bagnall, who moved!) resolution lo the effect ''That as the matter oi't'ne Hospital enquiry had been referred to the Provincial Government, 1)10 Committee declined to offer any snggcsli ns as (o the mode of co%lueting the itivcsiii'jitir.n." The deputation returned to His Honor and Mr iiowe stated the resolution arrived at.

lU* Honor replied he was obliged to the Committee lor tbe confidence expressed in him, aud stated that he wished to ask Mr M. i ower who now entered the room, a question in the presence of the Committee. His Honor, addressing Mr Power, taid : I have been informed, and indeed believe it is widely stated that you intend bringing an action at law for the supposed want of proper treatment you received while a patient in the Iharnes Hospital. Mr Power : I never expressed such an opinion to anyone whether or not such was my intention. I don't think it would be judicious on my part now. to express an opinion.

Ii is Honor : It would guide me in my course in the investigation.

Mr. Power. I could not give a decided answer now. Tt was my intention if I was not done justice to by the Committee to ask a judge and jury for their opinions. I have not' ss yet received justice. His Honor: Are you looking to the Government to compensate or provide for you if it is found you did not receive proper treatment ?

Mr Power: I expect the Committee or the Superintendent to see I get justice done to me; but I may in any case take steps against Dr Lethbridge or the Committe for the ill-treatment I received. His H«nor said to Mr Power that wag all he required, and added to the, Committee, that he considered it desirable to put the questions in their presence. If the case should ultimately come before a jury he would not like in his decision to prejudice the case in any way. He intended to limit his enquiries as to the general management of the institution, and would feel obliged by being furnished with a copy of the rules and regulations. His Honor then made a number of remarks about hospitals in general, in which it frequently happened that the servants became callous and hardhearted through time, and for want of proper supervision. Such had happened at one time in the Auckland Provincial Hospital, necessitating the removal of the medical officer in charge.

The enquiry was then adjourned until to-morrow morning. ,

A. SECOND MEETING,

A second meeting of the Committee was held at which various opinions were expressed as to the result of the interview witk His Honor.

Mr Sims said he had frequently visited the Hospital, and as a general rule considered the patients received admirable treatment.

Mr Sims was informed that they did not want to enter into the merits of the hospital treatment generally.

Mr Mcllhone said the Superintendent must have some reason for shelving this thing. His Honor's not seeing how to clear it was a side wind, to bury the matter. It should be left until the Government gave some decision.

Mr Bagnall said his impression at the time was, that it would- be made a mess of, and his statement had come true.

Mr Hill said it appeared that His Honor would not give a decision for this reason — that Mr Power would not promise to forego prosecuting at law. In this case what was to be done ?

Mr Macnab considered the Superintendent had placed himself in a wrong position by putting that question to Maurice Power. Ifc would convey to Mm (Mr Macnab) the idea that had the Superintendent been assured that Power would not prosecute, he would have given a decision against the Hospital management. Mr Eenshaw took a different point of view. ,

After some further unimportant discourse the meeting broke up. %