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It will be seen from the foregoing figures that the average stay of
the scarlet fever patients treated in hospital decreased by almost
10 days, following the introduction of the new regime. The added
severity of the diphtheria cases admitted to hospital is illustrated by
the increase in the detention period for that disease, also approximately
10 days.
Staff.—(a) Illness.—In addition to the usual minor ailments
met with during the year, the following illnesses occurred among
the staff:—
Scarlet Fever (Nurse) 1
Gastritis (Nurse)1
Influenza (Nurse) 1
German Measles (Nurse) 1
Pleurisy (Nurse)1
Erysipelas (Maid) 1
Quinsy (Ambulance Driver) 1
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The nurse who developed scarlet fever did so following a severe
vaccination reaction, only a few days after commencing duties in
the hospital.
(6) Immunisation.—Immunisation against diphtheria, typhoid
fever, scarlet fever and colds is still being carried out, but, as
before, the work is hampered because of the continued high pressure
under which the staff is operating.
(c) Lectures.—Lectures continue to be given to probationer
nurses by the Matron, Mr. Hill, Sanitary Inspector, and myself as
Medical Superintendent. This work is somewhat discouraging for
those who undertake it, as the personnel continually changes, so
that only a percentage of those who commence the course ever finish
it. When the proposed extensions are finally accomplished it is
greatly to be hoped that the new hospital will be recognised as a
full training school, when a more extended course of lectures can be
given to a greater number of nurses. At the present moment, with
the hospital continuing more or less full throughout the year, the
younger nurses are placed under a very severe strain. It is therefore
not surprising that they find the course of lectures and the
necessary study rather difficult and irksome. Personally, I am
actually surprised and rather gratified that so many finish the
course and pass the examination.
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