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28
the population of the district being about 28,000, it was
thought that it would be sufficient if accommodation was
provided for 28 patients, viz., 10 Scarlet Fever cases, 10
Diphtheria cases, 4 Typhoid Fever cases, and 4 beds for
observation purposes. Between the approval of the
plans by the Local Government Board and the completion
of the Hospital, a very material increase had
taken place in the population of the district, so that
almost from its being thrown open for the reception of
patients, the accommodation proved unequal to the
demand.
In each succeeding year the shortage of beds
became more pronounced, and in 1905 a very considerable
enlargement took place by the provision of an
additional Scarlet Fever Pavilion of 22 beds. At this
time the hand laundry was converted into a steam
laundry, and also some additional dormitory accommodation
provided in the Administrative Block.
In 1907 and 1908 very great pressure was placed
upon the resources of the Hospital, indeed, on many
occasions it was unavoidably overcrowded, and in April,
1909, after much consideration, the Council decided to
apply to the Local Government Board for sanction to
considerably increase the accommodation of the Hospital
itself, and, in addition, to provide quarters for a Resident
Medical Officer. The Local Government Board, however,
not entirely agreeing with all the proposals for
extension, reduced the number of beds to be
provided, and considerably curtailed the scheme
of enlargement of the Administrative Block.