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56
The Cottage Hospital.
10. In my report for 1895-6, I mentioned that in consequence
of complaints of illness which had occurred in the Hospital,
which could only be attributed to its insanitary condition, you
had called upon the Committee to reconstruct the drains, This
was done, but in spite of that some of the patients did not get on
well ; and at last the matron became seriously ill from bloodpoisoning,
and had to leave. In consequence, I made a special
report to the Hospital Committee, with your concurrence, to the
effect that the building, which had been constructed for another
purpose, was unfit to be used as an hospital. More especially in
consequence of the small size of the wards, which only allowed
615 cubic feet of air space for each bed; whereas it is generally
admitted that at least from 1,200 to 1,500 ought to be allowed
in hospitals, with as much as 2,000 for severe surgical cases.
The Committee have wisely determined to build a new Hospital,
on another site, as soon as the necessary funds can be obtained;
and have decided to admit only half the usual number of patients
to the present building, until that can be done.
Jubilee Cottages.
11. The defects in the water supply, mentioned in my last
report, have been remedied.
A Mortuary and Post Mortem Room.
12. In consequence of representations made by the Coroner,
the County Council called upon you to provide the above, in
accordance with the piovisions of the Public Health (London) Act
1891. At your request 1 have had interviews with the Medical