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Ten cases of Fever have been sent to the Fever Hospital, 5 Males and 5 Females;
two cases of Small Pox to the Small Pox Hospital, 1 Male and 1 Female; one has been
treated at the Workhouse, the Hospital being full.
About 9 Tramps from the Casual Wards have been admitted by my orders to the
Infirmary, being unable from illness to proceed on their journey. One died; the others,
after a short stay, recovered and took their discharge. Not one, as far as I could
gather, became located as permanent paupers.
Inquests.— Eight inquests have been held upon Aged Inmates of the House, and one
upon a New-born Infant found in Victoria Park. The case of Rosomond was the only
one that called for any special remark.
Insane and Imbecile.— During the year 168 cases have been under Medical Superintendence.
Of that number, 42 Males and 49 Females were admitted under orders
from the Relieving Officers; 18 Males and 20 Females were sent from the House, several
of them only for a short time, suffering from Epilepsy; 17 Males and 25 Females
have been sent to Asylums, 33 have been discharged cured or greatly relieved, 21 have
died (most of them old Paralytic cases), leaving 90 of a harmless character under medical
care.
Total
Cases.
Sent to
Asylums.
Cured, or
Relieved.
Died.
Remaining.
Summary 186 42 *33 21 90
* It should be observed that many of these cases were sent in as Insane, and on examination
no disease could be detected; but as a matter of precaution, they were kept a few days.
The paid Attendants on the Insane have been found to have a very beneficial effect,
and the various means found so useful for the alleviation of this class of our fellowsufferers
have been taken advantage of. Periodicals are regularly supplied; in-door
amusements enliven the wards; regular out-door exercise, and the introduction of a more
liberal dietary, &c., have all tended to improve the general appearance of the patients,
and stamps it as the wisest and most humane treatment. In concluding, I would
strongly urge the careful consideration of the large increase in the admissions as bearing
strongly on the subject that must soon occupy the attention of the Guardians, viz., the
new Infirmary, as authorized under the recent Act. It must be borne in mind that this
increase is not by any means solely among the aged and infirm, but the Lying-in Department
requires a special arrangement, as being that from which, by bad construction, a
vast amount of mischief may easily arise. Speculation is always rife as to when the
limit of extension has arrived; this is a subject that statistics do not appear to give us
any conclusive idea of, as from the foregoing tables it would appear to have gone on
steadily, and is still going on. I would, therefore, again urge that provision be made,
so that, if necessary, an easy extension might be available.
January, 1868. JAMES SMART, Medical Officer.