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39
The improvements carried out with regard to the approach to the Hospital
have been a great convenience, and were much appreciated during the winter
months.
A satisfactory road has been constructed, a good foundation was formed
on the unstable ground by the use of railway sleepers. The tar paving
around and between the buildings has been completed. The provision of a
bathroom and furnishing of the Nurses' sitting room are comforts which
are greatly appreciated by the Staff.
I have, unfortunately, to report the fact that three of the Nurses fell ill
with Enteric Fever; two of them apparently contracted the disease from a bad
case which was being treated in the Hospital, and the other was infected by
one of the sick Nurses. Two of them had the disease in a severe form, but
all fortunately recovered.
Changes in the Staff have arisen owing to the resignation of the late Matron
and the two Assistant Nurses. Nurse Hughes was appointed in April to the
vacancy of Matron, and is at present in charge, assisted by one Nurse and
two Nurse Probationers.
Fresh Caretakers were appointed in May.
In December a patient under treatment in the Hospital for Scarlet Fever,
during the temporary absence of the Nurse, absconded and proceeded to his
home near Strood.
He was practically convalescent, and had nearly completed the process of
desquamation, but the Medical Officer of Health of the district was
communicated with, and he was conveyed back to the Port Sanitary
Hospital in an ambulance belonging to the Local Authority.
This instance illustrates the need for Bye-laws relating to the detention of
persons in Hospital. The Authority has Bye-laws for the removal of
such patients from a vessel to Hospital, but there are no means of enforcing
or compelling them to remain there should they wish to leave, although if
they leave, legal proceedings can be taken for exposure while suffering from a
dangerous infectious disorder.
The Public Health (London) Act, 1891, Section 66 (3), provides for the
making of Bye-laws for the detention of patients in Hospital so long as may
be necessary, and I have recommended that these should be framed
accordingly, and submitted to the Local Government Board for their
approval.