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26
Upper Hospital (at present Maternity) contains 13,000 cubic
feet, sufficient for 9 beds.
Lower Hospital (at present Diphtheria) contains 18,000 cubic
feet, sufficient for 10 beds.
On air space measurement for infectious work, the total
capacity of the whole Hospital is 33 beds. From the end of
September, 1919, to the end of March, 1920, the total daily
number of occupied beds has averaged over 50. The Diphtheria
Ward has constantly had more than twice as many patients than
its air space allows. It is obvious, therefore, that the allocation
of 13,000 cubic feet of air space to Maternity was not justifiable,
unless the conditions under which births occur are such as
obviously threaten life. As to what extent actual working has
justified1 this procedure will be referred to later.
It is highly desirable that any further buildings should form
some part of a comprehensive scheme. To draw up a plan on
these lines, some idea of the future population to be served must
be formed. The question as to whether the future extensions are
or are not under the one civic control does not materially affect
the Hospital, as every endeavour should be made to make it
serve the whole area. A small institution such as is at present
possessed should be avoided for many reasons.
The essential facts may be taken as follows :—
(1) The future population to be served may be estimated at
250,000.