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In January, 1914, a pavilion of 14 beds for the treatment of
Phthisical patients was opened. This is built on land adjoining,
but separated from the enclosed grounds of the Hospital.
The Administrative Block is not sufficiently large for the Staff
necessary when the Hospital is running at its maximum capacity,
and the block known as the "Observation Ward" of four beds has
been converted into eight cubicles and provides sleeping accommodation
for eight members of the Staff. This much needed extra
accommodation has been most helpful, although, by no means, can
it be a substitute for the extensions proposed in 1914.
That further hospital accommodation will be demanded by the
public in the near future is probable, considering the large number
of houses now in course of erection and the changed view point of
our people in the presence of infectious illness in the home.
The cost of building at present seems prohibitive and since the
upkeep of the existing Hospital is now £13,000 yearly, compared
with £7,500 in 1914, it will be a matter of considerable difficulty
to decide on what is the best course to take—to extend the existing
buildings and provide for all cases, or give Hospital treatment to
those only who are unable to be nursed in their own homes.
The value of Isolation Hospitals in the reduction of Scarlet Fever
and Diphtheria incidence has been challenged and the universal
opinion is that they have failed to do what was expected of them.
Within the next three years the total capital expended will be
paid off and relief to the extent of over £2,000 yearly will be
experienced.
The County Council of Essex make a grant of £5 per bed yearly
towards the upkeep of the Hospital, but the sum received is quite
negligible compared with total expenses.
DISEASES ISOLATED.
Enteric Fever.—By an agreement entered into in March, 1912,
with the Walthamstow General Hospital, the Council have two
beds for the isolation and treatment of this disease.
Two cases occurred during the year, and both were in Hospitals
for some time prior to notification.
Diphtheria.—Twenty-eight beds nominally—at times extended
to forty—are provided in two pavilions for this disease.