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As will be seen, the Cubicle Block was extensively used during
the year, the number of patients treated therein being greatly in
excess of the figure for 1932, which was 77. In point of fact, the
eight cubicles were almost invariably full, and the only pity is
that still more are not available. As I stated in last year's Report,
we could well do with double the number, especially when one
considers the diverse nature of the diseases being admitted.
Staff.—The health of the nursing staff was fairly good throughout
the year, although a comparatively large number of minor
ailments was met with. In addition to colds, "hospital throats"
and other transient complaints, one member of the staff developed
Rubella, two, sub-acute rheumatism, and one, severe tonsillitis.
The fact that the staff has been working at full pressure throughout
the year, coupled with the very severe and septic cases requiring
treatment, undoubtedly accounts for the increase in sickness.
It was necessary to appoint temporary nurses at various times
owing to depletion of the regular staff through the illnesses
mentioned above. The Public Health Committee are at the moment
contemplating an increase to the present staff accommodation, and
when this is accomplished it is hoped that the number of the staff
will also receive consideration with a view to a proportionate
increment. The only increase to the present staff of the Hospital
during 1933 was that of an additional porter—a much-needed
appointment—and there can be no doubt that the nursing staff,
both day and night, requires further recruitment. With the whole
of the hospital continually in use, the work of supervision and
treatment is definitely increased, and I therefore trust that the
Council will give this matter their most serious consideration.
The junior nurses still continue to receive courses of lectures
in anatomy, physiology, general hygiene and nursing. The constant
coming and going of nurses is very trying to those who give the
instruction and has meant that, this year, no nurses entered for the
examination. The staff is now more stabilised, however, and it is
hoped that several nurses will enter during 1934. One nurse who
received her preliminary training at our hospital returned as a staff
nurse after completing the course at Plaistow Fever Hospital, and
has proved very satisfactory. Another nurse left to take her
general training at the Royal Free Hospital.
Cross Infection.—During the year 4 children were admitted
suffering from an infectious disease and later developed symptoms
of another infection having a longer incubation period. In 2 of these
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