Newspaper Article 1936 – Fight For Life

FIGHT FOR LIFE

New Zealand Surgeon Gravely Ill

ARM AMPUTATED

By Telegraph – Press Assn. – Copyright
LONDON, June 9.

The “Daily Mail” says: “The New Zealander, Mr Henry Philbrick Nelson, a Harley street specialist and one of the leading experts in lung surgery, whose skill has saved hundreds of lives, is fighting desperately for his life.

His career ended as the result of pricking a finger of his left hand while performing a difficult operation at St. Batholomew’s Hospital, of which he is an honorary surgeon. The finger quickly became swollen and there was evidence of septicaemia. The only hope of preventing the poison spreading was to remove the arm. This was done, but he is still gravely ill. His wife, who is living at the hospital, refuses to leave the bedside.

Previously Mr Nelson was instructor of surgery at the Michigan University Hospital.

The surgeon referred to in the above message is the second son of Mr. George Nelson, of Havelock North. He was born in Napier where he received his early education. Later he had a distinguished scholastic career, subsequently attaining eminence in his profession. Latest advice received by Mr. Nelson is that there is reason to hope that his son’s life will be saved.