Page image

9

H.—lBa

bins for soiled linen. It was formerly merely an open shed, and this work has been done by one of the patients. The patients I found very well satisfied. The bedding was throughout beautifully clean, and, though some little untidiness was noticeable here and there, it was excusable on account of the severity of the cases under treatment, which must occupy much of the Warder's time. It should also be remarked that the flower-garden and kitchen-garden are cultivated by his labour, and that all vegetables used in the hospital are grown here, with the exception of potatoes. Dr. Monckton is now the Medical Officer. December 22nd, 1884.

LAWEENCE. This hospital was visited by me to-day. I found twelve male and two female patients resident, three others having been discharged within the past two days. The average number of patients under treatment during the past year was about twenty-two; but, in October last, as many as twenty-nine were resident upon the same day. It is to be regretted that this hospital is hampered with " refuge cases," there being now five of this class on the register. Only one case of fever (typhoid) has been admitted since my last visit. I found the establishment throughout in good order, but the wards are poorly furnished as compared with many of the colonial hospitals. Everything was clean, however, and the patients contented. The female ward has a smarter appearance than the other parts of the hospital. A considerable degree of untidiness was observable in some of the rooms used as store-rooms ; and the grounds immediately behind the buildings might with advantage be kept in a more orderly way. Many improvements have lately been effected. The old fever ward has been disencumbered of two cells which occupied its further corners ; and which, on a previous visit, I recommended to be removed. The result is a much improved room, while the bricks have served for the erection of a suitable mortuary and also for a covered ash-pit, both of which additions were executed by home-labor. In the kitchen I noticed a new range, with hot-water supply fittings. The residence for the Medical Officer, long since recommended to be erected, is now well in hand, and will prove a valuable acquisition, at a very small cost. The kitchen garden is well cropped, no paid labor being employed in this department. I had the opportunity of conversing with Dr. Withers, the Medical Officer, after my inspection ; he continues to render very valuable service to the hospital. The books are properly kept. The surgical instruments are poor and few ; others are badly required. December 9th, 1884.

MASTEETON. ■On Thursday, November 20th, 1884, I made my periodical inspection of this hospital, finding two male patients only in residence. One of these was a convalescent from typhoid fever; the other had sustained a severe flesh wound of the leg, while working in the bush. Since my last visit, as many as seven patients have been under treatment at one time, but the capacity of the hospital is sufficient for a much greater number. Everything in this establishment is always in perfect order. The walls have recently been painted blue, and the ceilings whitened by the steward. Additional pictures have been hung on the walls, and a clock presented. I also noticed one or two new chairs of a comfortable kind. The entrance-lobby of the fever ward has been lined with match-board and painted. The out-buildings are all very neatly kept. The grounds and garden are admirably cultivated and looked after. This hospital might very well serve for the Greytown district also ; it appears to be quite unnecessary to keep up two distinct hospitals in this locality, with their staff of Medical Officer, Steward and Matron. November 24th, 1884.

NAPIEE. This hospital was, yesterday, released from quarantine, which had been imposed in consequence of a patient having been admitted from the S.S. Waihora, while suffering from small-pox. The patient was shortly after conveyed to the Quarantine Station, where he died. Upon removal of the restrictions, five male patients and 1 female were discharged from the hospital. To-day, I find twenty-six in residence. Of these, seventeen are men, three women, and six children. Although several of them are suffering from obviously incurable diseases all are proper cases for hospital treatment. Out-patients attend thrice weekly ; to-day four have. been prescribed for. A single case of typhoid fever is now under treatment in one of the ordinary male wards, having been admitted during the period of quarantine. The children's ward has been completed and fully occupied since my last visit; in fact, it has been found necessary to place in it an extra bed; it now contains five bedsteads and two cribs. The ward is very neatly and appropriately furnished, and has a most comfortable appearance ; the floor is covered with linoleum, and with a good hearth-rug. A neat, corner cupboard, contains the medicines in use, and above it is a filter. Framed pictures, cut flowers, toys and picture-books abound ; there is also a well supplied nest of book-shelves. The female patients having been removed to the new ward erected for their use, the two front wards are now occupied by males. The room used hitherto by the 2.— H. 18a.

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