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those parts of the Parish which had been centres of disease in former
epidemics, and premises were engaged for the purpose at 13, Gretton
Terrace, and 11, Winchester Street. There was at first some difficulty
in getting any where they were most needed, that is, in the densely
crowded district at the back of Shoreditch Church. However, they were
not long wanting, as the Committee of the Nichol’s Row Schools kindly
placed a portion of their premises at our service, free of charge. The
situation of these Schools was all that could be desired; added to which,
they were well known to the residents of the locality, as medicines and
disinfectants had been given away there prior to our taking possession.
The Dispensaries were opened on August 2nd, and the following gentlemen
were appointed, with three assistants to each:—
Van Ess Parker, M.D., C. C. Richards, M.D., E. Nicholas, Esq.,
Nichol’s How. Winchester Street. | Gretton Terrace.
Dr. Irwin had been first appointed to Gretton Terrace; but was
superseded in a few days by Mr. Nicholas. The gentlemen who
acted as assistants, although not all legally qualified, had a fair
knowledge of their profession, and were mostly second or third years'
students. Some of these gentlemen did not remain long on the staff,
leaving from various causes, but were immediately replaced by others.
Amongst those that remained at their duties throughout, I may mention
Messrs. Sanders, Lyne, Haylock, Chambers, and Ward.
At the Dispensaries, applicants suffering from Cholera or Diarrhoea
were supplied with medicines night or day, or were visited without
delay if the case required it. Nourishment, stimulants, and bed clothing,
were also distributed where needed. Disinfectants (chloride of lime and
McDougal’s powders), were given to all comers; a very large quantity
being used in this way. In the distribution of nourishments, stimulants,
bedding, &c., considerable help was given by the Clergy throughout the
Parish, the Sisters of Mercy, the Committee of the Nichol’s Row Schools,
and the Bedford Institute; in fact, religious differences seemed forgotten,
and persons of all denominations vied with each other in doing good.
House to house visitation was set on foot, and all cases discovered (not
under treatment), were attended by the Dispensary staff. Nuisances, &c.,
were reported to me.
The total number of applicants at the Dispensaries were 17,533, of which
the cases were:—