Payments of Doctors’ Substitutes, a topic of discussion at the Limerick Guardians meeting with Mr Patrick as Vice-Chairman, prompted questions about the liability of the Guardians in covering the costs for temporary replacements of doctors. Dr John Coffey Ryan’s request for three guineas for a locum tenens while attending the Assizes in Cork as a witness for the Crown sparked the discussion. Captain O’Brien referred to a recent case involving Dr Sproule in Londonderry, where the Local Government Board stated that the amount paid to a substitute doctor could be deducted from the primary doctor’s salary. However, it was noted this decision applied to a private case. Inquiries about whether the Treasury would cover half the cost were denied by the Clerk (Mr H.J. Guinane), but he mentioned that a bill in progress would allow the Local Government Board to recoup half the cost of temporary substitutes in the future. The claim was ultimately allowed.

Northants. Evening Telegraph – Monday 22 December 1902