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The infectious cases are usually moved to one or other of the Metropolitan
Asylums Board Hospitals, but the erysipelas and puerperal fever were treated
at Edmonton Workhouse Infirmary.
Thirty-seven refugees were admitted to the Edmonton old infirmary for
non-infectious diseases, and twenty-one births took place there during 1916,
also one death.
On January 1st, 1917, the refugees having been removed from Millfield
House, it was re-opened by the Metropolitan Asylums Board for the reception
of 300 male epileptics from Belmont Workhouse. Dr. Beels, Mr. and Mrs.
Pallin act as Medical Officer, Superintendent and Matron respectively.
EDMONTON MILITARY HOSPITAL.
Lieut.-Col. Spencer Mort's responsibilities have largely increased, for in
February plans were shown us of two temporary ward-blocks containing 180
beds in each. In March certain modifications of the proposed drainage plan
were agreed to with our Engineer, and it is understood that these buildings
are of an entirely temporary character, and the new drainage (as laid) is
only there for the duration of the war. So there are now 1,488 beds for sailors
and soldiers in this institution, and 1,446 in 30 auxiliary hospitals in outside
areas, a total of 2,934 beds under the administration of Lieut.-Col. Mort.
This is, I should think, the largest hospital organisation in the United
Kingdom.
In addition to dealing with the wounded from overseas, this hospital is
a military centre for soldiers in the home-area reporting sick, who are admitted,
if necessary, for operation or special treatment.
Col. Mort and his colleagues, with the support of a special Hospital
Committee of the Guardians, are doing a large amount of remedial work
of national importance, in a manner which reflects credit on all concerned,
including members of the Voluntary Aid Detachment and other volunteers.
" The Edmonton Green Committee," a band of voluntary workers who
have developed much energy in collecting funds for the recreation and extra
comfort of the men in this hospital, continued their work throughout 1916.
As regards Infectious Disease amongst those on His Majesty's
Service, sixteen cases were notified—6 scarlet fever, 1 diphtheria, 3 enteric
fever, 1 cerebro-spinal fever, and 5 measles (3 Rubella). As regards tubercle,
I received notice of seven cases of pulmonary disease—6 males and 1 female
(a nurse), but no other.
The deaths that occurred in the Edmonton Military Hospital totalled
61—40 from wounds, 20 from disease, and 1 naval man from an accident.
Besides, 2 died in Edmonton homes—one by suicide and one from the effects
of wounds followed by phthisis; one stranger by fall from aeroplane, and
another whilst on guard duty. So altogether 65 deaths in Edmonton were
due to the Great War, and are not included in Table III.