Page image

H.—-7a.

17

been re-erected in a much more suitable position, than formerly ; and precautions taken to obviate the rapid destruction of its component materials, which was found, on removal, to have taken place. The internal arrangements have been remodelled, and will shortly be completed. They include two double bath-rooms for ladies, and two single bath-rooms for each sex, with consultingroom, waiting-rooms, and other conveniences. In enclosed courts at the rear are four fine air baths, formed of cement concrete, and measuring some 16ft. by 13ft. These will be provided with awnings of canvas and with suitable dressing-boxes, and supplied from the so-called " Madame Eachel " and " Priest's " "Springs. At the present time the only one in use is the "Priest's" bath. -This was formerly lined with planks, but has now concrete walls, with an open rubble bottom, through which the spring rises in considerable volume, constantly causing a rapid change of the bath-water. The " Madame Eachel" Spring is now being conducted to the pavilion through glazed earthenware pipes, the laying of which will shortly bo completed. A portion of the supply is diverted en route into a cooling-tank, 30ft. square by 2ft. 3in. deep. This will enable a large number of baths to be brought down to the desired temperature without any dilution of their chemical constituents. The whole of the internal small baths will be supplied by this spring. They have- been likewise constructed of cement concrete, and appear to bo very suitable for their purpose. The waste water will be conveyed from them in carefully-constructed concrete channels. On account of the corrosive properties of the water some difficulty has occurred in devising suitable stopcocks. I would recommend for this purpose short lengths of india-rubber hose, which can be compressed externally by a weighted lever or a screw-clamp. The small iron building lately occupied by the bath-attendant is now in use as a laundry, for which it is much more suitable._ It will be well to provide here a supply of hot water from the " Madame Eachel" Spring, to facilitate the washing of towels and to counteract the destructive effects upon them of the "Priest's " water. Some small but useful additions have been made to the temporary residence of the Medical Officer. A considerable area of garden-ground is under cultivation, and the young trees and plants have made surprising progress since I last say/ them. I had ocular demonstration that all kinds of vegetables, as well as flowers and fruit, can be grown here to perfection. The sulphurous emanations certainly have no injurious effect upon them. The soil is shallow and of a peaty character; it is poor in quality, but only needs manure to make it very productive. Ornamental grounds and extensive planting ought to be put in hand without delay, and will soon give a very attractive appearance to the place. It is also highly desirable to bring under cultivation at least twenty acres of adjoining land, so that a good paddock may be in readiness for the cows and horses which it will hereafter be found necessary to keep. The bath-keeper's cottage might with advantage have an enclosed garden, in which good results would, I am certain, shortly be seen. I have conferred fully with Dr. Lewis regarding the regulations for admission of patients to the benefits of the hospital, and also as to the staff of officials which will become necessary. A number of suggestions on these matters will shortly bo submitted for approval. Meanwhile I may remark that strict precautions must be taken to prevent any accumulation here of " chronic incurable " or "indigent" cases; also that it will be necessary to provide hospital accommodation for cases of illness arising in the district, or of infectious disease, developing itself perchance, at the sanatorium after infection elsewhere. This accommodation should be inexpensive, and attached to the cottage of one of the permanent staff of the sanatorium. I learn, on inquiry, that repeated requests are made by patients to be lodged and boarded somewhere near the baths ; and have not the least doubt that the cottages about to be erected will very shortly prove to the demand for accommodation. The alterations in progress have materially interfered, with the number of baths given. I see by the visitors' book that (up to 11 a.m.) on the 26th January fifteen persons bathed. The number in one day has been as high as twenty-six during the present month. A large increase may be expected when the arrangements are more complete. Mr. and Mrs. Hall, the bath-attendants, are giving great satisfaction, both to the visitors and to the Eesident Medical Officer. I have had an opportunity of conversing with a number of the visitors, all of whom express themselves as more or less benefited by their stay here. They appear to come from all parts of the world. 28th January, 1884.

THAMES. On the morning of the 12th December, 1883, my periodical visit of inspection was made to this hospital. I found nineteen patients residing, all of them being of the male sex, and proper subjects for treatment in a hospital. Indeed, several were suffering from very severe injuries, received either in the mines or in the bush. Since my last visit the largest number resident in one day has been twenty-six. On this occasion the dining-room was used to contain beds. There is accommodation at present for about thirty males and seven females, but a larger and more airy ward is required for the treatment of male surgical cases. lam glad to report that a very great improvement is apparent in the condition of the establishment, and that it pervades the whole of its details. The wards have been well and neatly painted, as also have the dining-room and those occupied by the Steward. The boards and white paint, which obstructed and obscured the lower portions of the windows, have given place to dwarf muslin blinds. Holland roller-blinds have been fixed, bedside-lockers provided, and grates for burning coal fixed in the fireplaces. Some new bed-clothing has been purchased, as well as a fair supply of excellent horsehair mattresses ; and a number of capital pictures in-frames are hung upon the walls. These latter are gifts; the Medical Officer, Dr. Payne, subscribing handsomely towards their framing. The bath-room, with which I formerly found so much fault, has undergone a complete transformation, and is now as neat and orderly as it was formerly dirty and untidy. A new cupboard has been constructed here to contain utensils, linseed meal, and surgical dressings and appliances. A large bin contains the soiled, linen (for short periods only), and the 3—H. 7a.

Log in or create a Papers Past website account

Use your Papers Past website account to correct newspaper text.

By creating and using this account you agree to our terms of use.

Log in with RealMe®

If you’ve used a RealMe login somewhere else, you can use it here too. If you don’t already have a username and password, just click Log in and you can choose to create one.


Log in again to continue your work

Your session has expired.

Log in again with RealMe®


Alert