HC Deb 22 April 1890 vol 343 cc1073-4
DR. TANNER

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Irish Local Government Board intend taking notice of negligent inattention of Dr. Ambrose, of Newcastle, West, who on Thursday, the 10th ultimo, neglected to attend, on visiting ticket, until 7 p.m., although an urgent summons was given him at 9 a.m. on that date, the poor patient dying in the interim; and whether Dr. Ambrose is, or has been, obliged to reside in his dispensary district?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

No complaint appeal's to have been made either to the local Board of Guardians or to the Dispensary Committee, alleging neglect on the part of Dr. Ambrose on the occasion referred to. The hours mentioned in the question are not consistent with the statement which has been made by the doctor to the Honorary Secretary of the Dispensary Committee, his statement being that he received a visiting ticket at 2 p.m., and was at the patient's house—a distance of five miles—about half-past 3 p.m. As regards the second part of the question, no change has taken place since the hon. Member who puts this question asked a similar one in regard to residence on 13th December, 1888, when it appeared that the situation of the doctor's residence was convenient for doing the work of the district.

DR. TANNER

Has the Local Government Board Inspector taken steps, for the benefit of the poor people who come under the ministration of Dr. Ambrose, to ascertain whether the allegations which have been made are justified, and, if not, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to inquire into the matter?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I am informed that there was no negligence.

DR. TANNER

From whom has the right hon. Gentleman received his information?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

No complaint appears to have been made either to the Board of Guardians or to the Dispensary Committee, and when such a complaint is made it will be time to consider it.

DR. TANNER

If I give the right hon. Gentleman chapter and verse to show that the patient died in consequence of not being visited by the doctor, will the right hon. Gentleman condescend to give me a proper answer?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

Any communication that may be made by the hon. Gentleman will receive attention.