View report page

23
The mean number of occupied beds was 18 and staff 11.
The corresponding figures for the previous five years were
patients 18 and staff 10. of the 148 cases of Scarlet Fever 12
were returned cases, and arose from six infecting cases or a
leakage from the hospital of five per cent of all admissions.
The number of return cases in each family were four in
one, three in two, two in two, and one in one instance, respectively.
Five of the return cases were admitted within 14 days,
and the rest within six weeks. The percentage is high, and is
somewhat disappointing, as the precautions taken were very
elaborate. In four of the cases there was no sign in the child
discharged, that might possibly have been indicative of the
existence of infection. The complications were 10 per cent.
Ear discharge, four per cent. Nephritis, two per cent. Abscess
of Cervical Glands, and in one Laryngeal Obstruction, which
necessitated tracheotomy. In six per cent, the original diagnosis
was incorrect, and one of these subsequently developed
the disease. Two children admitted for Diphtheria also developed
Scarlet Fever whilst in hospital. In 10 or 28 per cent,
of the cases of Diphtheria the original diagnosis was incorrect.
One case of Diphtheria required tracheotomy. There were no
deaths.
Out of 10 cases of Enteric Fever six proved to be suffering
from other diseases. One case died.
In accordance with the regulations passed by the Council
in July last, 14 babes suffering from Marasmus and Diarrhoea
were admitted, and out of these six died, or 43 per cent. It is
extremely doubtful whether these infants were in any way
improved by their stay in hospital.