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This is an appropriate place to stress a matter which has been
frequently reported and which deserves immediate and earnest
consideration, viz., the very unsatisfactory condition of the
surfaces of the roads approaching the Hospital from east and
west; there is no doubt that even if the ambulances were of the
best type available—and they are far from being so—the uneven
travelling from either approach is jeopardising the chances of
recovery in every severe case of acute infectious disease admitted.
8. CONCLUSION.
The result of the year's work at the Hospital, taking all the
circumstances into consideration, is satisfactory and, although the
total mortality rate has increased (3.2 in 1927, 4.8 in 1928), when
one looks back on the many battles which have been waged
against very long odds, it seems remarkable that the increase is
not double or even treble this figure. The type of Diphtheria
under treatment during the year has meant very hard, unselfish,
devoted and loyal work on the part of the Matron and Staff in
order to bring about the excellent results which have been
obtained. The treatment of cases of typhoid fever also furnishes
us with a criterion of nursing skill and ability ; the six cases of
this disease recovered, although one was complicated by intestinal
hæmorrhage, another patient had recently undergone a severe
abdominal operation, whilst a third developed pelvic complications.
The duties and responsibilities of the Matron at the Isolation
Hospital are not generally appreciated, but, with the absence of a
full-time Medical Officer, a Steward and a Clerical Assistant, her
position is by no means a sinecure, for she has to fulfil the functions
of these offices in addition to her recognised duties—and
these are numerous and onerous—as occasion arises. In this
connection I should like to quote from my annual report for the
year 1921 :— " I beg to remind the Council that before we became
a County Borough in 1914, with about half the number of beds
we now have, the Local Government Board and the Essex County
Council pointed out the necessity for a full-time Resident Medical
Officer at the Institution. This advice has not been acted upon."
The further extensions which are contemplated warrant an early
consideration of all these facts and make the appointment of at
least one full-time Resident Medical Officer imperative.