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convalescent block (subject to suitable adaptation of the interior
a total addition, on the Ministry's standard, of 27 or 28
beds to the existing ward accommodation. Some addition of a
permanent nature is also necessary to the kitchen of the present
administrative block. The Ministry suggest that plans
and estimates of the cost of a revised scheme on these lines
should be prepared and submitted as soon as possible. The
Ministry point out that while the above represents the maximum
extension which the Minister could approve at present,
it is clear that much of the accommodation at the Hospital
is of a temporary nature, and some of it, e.g.,
the military huts used for convalescent scarlet fever
and diphtheria cases, ill-suited for the purpose, and
the Minister accordingly suggests that the Council should
prepare a complete scheme for the reconstruction of the Hospital
to be carried out in stages as circumstances permit."
Since that date an administrative kitchen (certainly a longdesired
necessity) has been provided, but the patient and staff
accommodation remains in statu quo.
7. CONCLUSION.
The result of the year's work at the Hospital, taking all the
circumstances into consideration, is very satisfactory, but although
the total mortality rate has decreased (3'8 in 1926, 3'2 in 1927)
the mortality rate for Diphtheria has increased perceptibly owing
to the severity of the disease and to the late stage at which many
of the patients are admitted to Hospital.
I have nothing but praise for the excellent manner in which the
Matron and the staff acting under her efficient direction have performed
their duties in the face of very apparent difficulties in
regard to accommodation and equipment for both patients and
staff, and it is a great pleasure to be able to quote the following
minute of the Council dated 6th December, 1927:—
" Vote of Thanks to Staff—Isolation Hospital.
"That the Committee unanimously decided to place on
record their appreciation of the work carried out by the staff
at the Isolation Hospital during the present epidemic of acute
infectious disease. The pressure of work and the coincident
anxieties have been severe and the Matron has earned great