§ MR. ALEXANDER BLAINEasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, What action the Local Government Board will take with reference to the relieving officer of the Armagh Union, who, contrary to the rules of the Board, went to Markethill recently and removed an old woman named Patterson, suffering from bronchitis, out of her bed, contrary to the wishes of her friends, had her conveyed six miles on a stormy day, which caused her death three days afterwards; whether the relieving officer had her buried, without giving notice to her friends, though he had their address; and, whether the Local Government Board will institute an inquiry into all the circumstances of the case?
THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. JOHN MORLEY)It appears that the relieving officer visited the old woman referred to on the application of the dispensary medical officer, and found her in a very wretched state, with bad bedding and little clothing. She had been previously in the workhouse, and when the relieving officer asked her whether she would return she expressed her desire to do so. No opposition was offered to her removal, which seems to have been effected with care. She died five days after her removal. It did not appear to be the duty of the relieving officer in particular to communicate with her friends. The case was investigated by a committee of the Guardians, who have come to the conclusion that the removal did not accelerate her death. The doctor of the workhouse also certifies to the same effect. It does not appear to the Local Government Board to be necessary to hold any further inquiry into the matter.