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patients in the first six months of the year were 43, and in the last six
months 55, as compared with 28.3, and 59.5, respectively, in 1892."
The aggregate removals during the year, including the transfer of
patients from one hospital to another, numbered 36,976. Of this
number 13,266 were effected by the Eastern Station (at Homerton);
11,359 by the Western Station (at Seagrave Road, Fulham); and
12,351 by the South-Eastern Station (at Deptford). The journeys
made were 23,434 (in addition to 583 to other places than the
Managers' Hospitals), the miles run by horses and vehicles being
245,311. As shewing the pressure of work at busy seasons, it is stated
that as many as 62 patients were removed (irrespective of 6 sent for
but not removed) in one day in November, by the Eastern Station.
In the same month, on a single day, the Western Station removed 41
patients ; the South-Eastem Station 48 patients. The Eastern Station
in the week ended 11th November, effected 360 removals (including
transfers), 2,501 miles being travelled; the Western Station effected
324 removals in the week ended 4th November, 2,125 miles being
travelled; the South-Eastem Station effected 336 removals in the week
ended 11th November, 2,243 miles being travelled.
Small-pox —The Committee briefly narrate the history of smallpox
prevalence in 1893, showing how the disease became spread
amongst the settled population of London, as a result of its diffusion
amongst tramps and other persons accustomed to use the accommodation
afforded in Casual Wards, Shelters, Common Lodging Houses,
&c.; many of whom, moreover, were infected by persons of the same
class coming into London from places in the provinces where the
disease existed in epidemic form. The Committee think it probable
that the metropolis "narrowly escaped a severe epidemic of the
disease"; but "whether this be so or not, the experience of the year
has amply justified the persistence of the Managers, in spite of adverse
criticism, in maintaining the River Ambulance Service, and the
Hospital Ships, in a complete state of readiness. As a consequence,
cases as they were notified were rapidly removed and isolated."
Reference is made to the outbreak at North Kensington,* which,
traced to infection received in Paddington, commenced at Portobello
Road in October, about 70 persons in all being attacked. "The
* Vide page 26.