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Had the amount of cubic space been uniformly
distributed, each patient would have had about 1,000 cubic
feet, which, for a temporary hospital, would have been a
fair space, but, owing to the necessity of classification, some
of the patients had a great deal more than this, others less.
Drainage.—Considerable expense had to be incurred
in altering and adapting the drains; the surface water from
the front areas, and also the drainage of Nos. 55 and 57,
was carried into the sewer in York Place, while the drainage
of Nos. 59, 61, and 63, was carried into Great York
Mews. A great portion of this had to be entirely reconstructed,
and a disconnecting chamber was built. With the
exception of a short piece of drain underneath the scullery
of No. 55, the whole of the drainage was outside the
premises.
Officers.—Your Medical Officer of Health was ap
pointed Superintendent, and had the general supervision
of the staff, undertook the payment of the nurses and
tradespeople, and was responsible both for the admission
and discharge of the patients.
Frank Richardson Blaxall, M.D.(Lond.), L.R.C.P.,
M.R.C.S., who had occupied the post of Obstetric Assistant
and House Physician, University College, and also had been
Assistant Medical Superintendent of St. Pancras Infirmary,
was appointed Medical Officer, on the condition that he
should reside as close as possible to the Hospital and devote
his whole time to the duties.
Dr. Richard Sisley, M.D.(Lond.), M.R.C.P., of 17,
York Street, was appointed Honorary Physician.
Miss A. Rees, a Certificated Nurse of great and varied
experience, was appointed Matron.
Besides these chief officers, there were charge nurses
and assistant nurses, and ward maids, a porter, a cook,
laundresses, and servants. The numbers of the nurses
varied from week to week, according to the number of
patients.