PATIENTS INCREASE

Taranaki Daily News, 17 April 1935, Page 11

PATIENTS INCREASE

NEW PLYMOUTH HOSPITAL REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT. INDIVIDUAL DAYS’ STAY LOWER. A complete survey of those activities of the New Plymouth Hospital which came under his direction was made by Dr. G. v . Rich, medical superintendent, at yesterday’s'meeting of the board. Statistics, with last year’s in P • 'theses, were: Total admissions, 2636 (2326); deaths, 106 (110); daily average of patients, 165.62 (162.33); individual average days’ stay, 22.92 (25.47); /number of operations, 1787 (1585). Diseases and injuries were detailed as follows: Cancer, all forms, cases 80, deaths 22 (14); diseases of heart and blood vessels, cases 35 (47), deaths 8 (15); tuberculosis, all v forms, cases 35 (42), deaths 8 (12); pneumonia, all forms, cases 73 (37), deaths 7 (3);’ mental diseases, all forms, cases 57 (42), deaths 2 (1); diabetes, cases 24 (17), deaths 4 (nil); gall bladder disease, cases 31 (25), deaths2 (1); acute appendicitis, cases 117 (100), deaths 2 (1); fractures, cases 93 (107), deaths 3 (6); goitre, cases ■l3 (13), deaths 1 (1). Infectious diseases figures were: Diphtheria, cases 19 (80), deaths 1 (1); scarlet fever, cases 14 (11), deaths 0 (0); typhoid fever, cases 12 (4), deaths 0 (0). The venereal diseases department had been established just over a year and had been in existence sufficiently Jong for its value to be assessed. In-patients for the year totalled 17 and out-patients 29. Numerous cases had reported for diagnosis and proved to be free from infection. DISEASE INCREASING. He had formed the impression that venereal disease was much more common than those figures indicated and was on the increase. If the serious nature of those diseases were more widely known, he was sure that more ca^ s would report for treatment. The boards decision during the year to charge such out-patients no fee for treatment should be an added encouragement to patients to attend. The clinic fully justified itself not only as a means of treatment, but also from the aspect of lessening spread of infection; _ . The reduction from 25.47 in 1933 to 22.92 for the past year in the individual average days’ stay was a very substantial one. It had been made possible largely, by , the cooperation of patients and by the work of the district nurse, 1 who had cared for many of the discharged patients. Considering that there was no separate accommodation for chronic patients, whose stay was included in the estimation of the average days’ stay, and that in many instances, especially chilaren, ' 1 cases were kept longer on account of unfavourable economic conditions at home, the figures for the past year must be regarded as very satisfactory. Referring to special departments, Dr. Rich stated that Dr. Brewster’s absence resulted in a disorganisation of the eye, ear, nose and throat section and, while arrangements had been made for the service to be carried on from Wanganui, at best it could not approach that given by a locally residing specialist. It was hoped that a better arrangement would) be made in the near future. . _ Tn the X-ray department, work had steadily increased both in the diagnostic and therapy sections. Diagnostic examinations were 3169 againht 2650 last year. While numbers of X-ray treatments for cancer had not been kept, Dr. Rich thought that the institution was dealing with increasing numbers of those cases each year- Of these only three cases had been referred to other hospitals. CANCER CLINIC. ' Early in 1934 a cancer clinic was form- ' ed consisting of the senior members of the staff and any medical practitioners, who cared to attend. The clinic met regularly and, all cases were seen by the clinic members. This was found to be an excellent method qf dealing with these cases. The total number of cases was 80. X-ray treatment alone was used in 32 . cases and operation alone in 19 cases. In the remaining 29 cases a combination of operation and either X-ray or radon or both was used. Radon was actually used in only nine cases. A few cases had operations elsewhere and attended hospital for X-ray treatment afterwards. One case was treated! as malignant but was reported by the pathologist as benign. ' A large number of malignant cases entered the hospital too late for any prospect of cure. Early diagnosis was perhaps difficult in certain internal cancers where symptoms at first were slight and patients were not prompted to obtain’ advice till they became intolerable, but practitioners saw many cases of malignant disease of the breast, skin • and other superficial structures where the condition had progressed too long to ensure a cure. If the public would appreciate that all painless swellings; ' chronic ulcers, particularly of the face and hands, indigestion, irregularity. of the bowels, arising and persisting during middle age, should be regarded with suspicion—earlier diagnosis with excel-’ lent prospect of cure in a large proportion of cases could be promised. A total of 8293 specimens Were dealt with by the laboratory compared with 8551 for the previous year. Analysis of the work showed a great increase in the actual work entailed. The hospital was fortunate in having such a sound and willing worker as Mr. Hawke in charge of the laboratory. The appointment of a junior assistant in the department ■ proved very satisfactory. MASSAGE DEPARTMENT. Increased accommodation and facilities were afforded the massage department by the use of the- old children’s ward during the year and had been a great improvement. The yearly returns were, with those for last year in parentheses, as follows: In-patients, 303 (348); out-patients, 212 (237); treatments given, 9457 (10,021). , . , « Under Miss H. Horrax the hospital school was highly successful and much appreciated by patients, and he thought, by parents. The work was not confined to the ordinary routine of school, but included added diversions and tasks. The roll details were: April 1, 1934, 12; March 31, 1935, 21; admitted during the year, 190; highest attendance on one day, 22; average daily attendance, 14.5; average weekly roll, 16.1. Figures for each quarter showed a gradual increase. The honorary staff relieving Dr. Taylor during his absence on leave was doing very good work and the system was working satisfactorily. Drs. Mcllroy, Blunden and Findlay, of the resident staff, resigned at the end of the year, all having given excellent service. The addition of one to the residential staff last year had fully justified itself. Drs. W. J. Reid and! J. S. Church, as anaesthetists, and Mr. J. M. Clarke, as relieving surgeon, had continued their appointments during the year. Dr. Rich expressed appreciation of their work and of that of Dr. H. B. Leatham,. relieving radiologist, Dr. G. H. Thomson, midwifery, and those members of the Dental Association, who had acted also in an honorary capacity and had done excellent work during the year. The members of the nursing staff had had a very busy year under rather disadvantageous conditions, both as regard crowded wards and inadequate home conditions. The institution’ of one day

off a fortnight was greatly appreciated. On the whole sickness amongst the nursing staff had been less during the year. . ' WET WEATHER PROTECTION. Provision of protection in stormy weather between the nurses’ home and hospital should be considered, the report continued. Collection of rain water made walking between the two buildings very unpleasant, and Dr. Rich suggested that • the provision of a covered way should be considered while the additions to the home were being financed, because, apart from the discomfort, a certain - amount of illness was caused by exposure to wet and cold. The amount of renovation, minor alterations and improvements carried out during the year had greatly improved the appearance and general state of the hospital. Unfortunately, some of the renovation work done some years ago was showing signs of wear and would require further attention. While still limited to ex-patients and charitable aid cases, the department for out-patients was showing a very steady increase. Alteration to the front entrance block with a more suitable main entrance, greater waiting room space and better facilities for treatment of outpatients was an urgent matter, but would be provided with the home additions during the coming year. The thanks of the hospital were due to various organisations, Toe H, Victoria League, church workers and numerous individuals, who had in various ways added to the comforts and pleasure of the patients during the year. Their activities were greatly appreciated. Appreciation was also due to the Rahotu Maori Women’s Institute, and . the Whakarate girls’ branch of the Victoria League, which had each presented a cot to the hospital. There war, Dr. Rich thought, a very great need for the initiation by some interested people or < -ganisation of a system whereby adult patients were assisted by occupational treatment to pass much of the time that must drag unpleasantly during the long hours of inactivity necessary in some cases. He would welcome any suggestions or offers of assistance that might be made along these lifies.