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26
It is to be noted that a certain amount of research work is carried out in this
department which would not otherwise be possible, e.g. work relative to such
items as cross infections in wards, the degree and severity of any particular form of
disease, etc.
Finally, I would refer you to Dr. Hill's Report upon pages 67 to 70.
(b) Ambulance Facilities.—There are now no less than four ambulances in
Barking. Two ambulances are for general and accident cases ; another is used
only for cases of infectious diseases and the fourth is the old infectious diseases
ambulance which is kept for the conveyance of bedding, but which can in an
emergency be used as a standby ambulance.
In commenting upon ambulance facilities, it must be emphasised once again
that one or two attendants accompany each ambulance as occasion requires, and
that where requested a nurse from the Hospital may be employed. It is to be
noted that a nurse always accompanies the infectious disease ambulance.
There are reciprocal agreements with adjoining Local Authorities, and the
whole ambulance service has attained considerable efficiency.
(c) Hospitals (Public and Voluntary).—There are no voluntary hospitals in
Barking.
There are two public hospitals in Barking—the Barking Hospital and Upney
Hospital.
The Barking Hospital is reserved for the treatment of cases of infection and
this term is generously interpreted.
The Barking Hospital has 108 beds, of which 36 are in cubicle blocks and
2 are separate side wards.
The Barking Hospital was first opened in 1933. There is now a Resident
Medical Officer, who also does a certain amount of clinical work in your out-patient
departments at your various clinics.
The Upney Maternity Pavilion has 24 beds of which 8 are cubicles. One of
these cubicles is situated at the distant end of the reception wing and can be and is
completely isolated. The Admission Wing has been kept away from the rest of
the pavilion, and care is taken to see that patients so admitted are not themselves
suffering from any of the communicable diseases.
There are three sisters at the Pavilion, and, on an average, a similar number
of midwives are in attendance. As previously stated the professional nursing is
entirely carried out by sisters and midwives, whilst probationers are allowed only
to do minor duties,