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47
On two occasions during the year one of the children
developed measles subsequent to admission. Permission
was obtained from the parents of the other patients in
the hospital to inject measles convalescent serum with
the object of preventing them from contracting the
disease, with the result that no further cases occurred.
This serum is taken from convalescents from measles
and its timely use prevented an outbreak which might
have been serious in a ward of debilitated infants.
Other types of cases which are admitted are shown
on the table on the next page.
The hospital sustained a serious loss by the death
in July, 1932, of Mr. Horace Hutchinson, who was a
great friend to the hospital for so many years. Mr.
Hutchinson was one of the founders of the hospital and
was its first honorary treasurer, retaining this position
until 1922. It was entirely owing to his efforts and his
power to interest his friends in the work that the present
building in Broomhouse Road was acquired for the purpose
of a hospital. Mr. Hutchinson's practical interest in
the hospital did not cease in 1922 but continued up to
the time of his death. He was associated in this work
with his wife and the Committee also wish to emphasise
their gratitude to Mrs. Hutchinson for her unsparing
efforts in raising funds for the maintenance of the
hospital and for her untiring work as honorary treasurer.
The hospital has been of immense value to the community
for many years. Through the co-operation of
the medical practitioners in the borough cases of illness
which cannot be admitted to the larger Children's hospitals
and are unsuitable for treatment at home, are
given the benefit of skilled nursing experience. In addition
it forms a most important link in the Borough
Council welfare scheme for infants and young children.
The following table gives an account of the work
done during the year:—