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effect, not only in keeping down the death rate, but in reducing
to a reasonable minimum the far-reaching complications so common
in diphtheria. This principle is supported by the fact that the type
of diphtheria case admitted within recent years to the hospital has
been definitely severe, and that normally one would have expected
a higher death rate and a very much larger number of severe complications.
The part which the nursing services play in this satisfactory
result cannot be estimated, but it is without doubt
extremely significant.
The use of the oxygen tent has probably had an effect in
reducing, the pulmonary death rate. Unfortunately, a percentage
of pulmonary cases, mostly complicating an original measles or
whooping cough infection, are still being admitted in such a
condition as to render the effects of treatment highly problematical.
Until the general public can be persuaded to call in the services of a
medical attendant at a sufficiently early stage in these diseases,
similar tragedies will still occur. Our aim, so far as the hospital is
concerned, should therefore be to provide such treatment as can
reasonably be expected to save those lives which are not already
virtually lost. Very fortunately, the vast majority of the cases
admitted fall into this category, while educational measures will
almost certainly continue to increase their number.
Operations.—The following operations were performed during
the year:
Appendicectomy (Measles) 2
Mastoidectomy (Measles) 1
Tracheotomy (Diphtheria) 1
Tonsillectomy (Diphtheria "Carriers") 5
Exploration of Uterus (Puerperal Pyrexia) 1
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All the patients made a satisfactory recovery, and, in the case
of the diphtheria "carriers," it was possible to discharge the
patients free from bacilli.
In addition to the operations enumerated above, several minor
operations—mainly gland incisions—were performed, with satisfactory
results.
Dr. Macdonald, Consulting Surgeon to the Hospital, performed
all the operations, with the exception of that of exploration of
uterus, which was performed by Mr. Chas. Read, Consulting
Gynaecologist. Dr. Macdonald also paid 97 consultative visits,
and once again I should like to thank him most sincerely for his
valuable services.
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