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58
the Hospital. The matter has been before the Public Health
Committee, plans for increased accommodation have been
prepared, and a Sub-Committee has been formed to formulate
the requirements, so that it is hoped that the extension
will take place during the present year.
NURSING.
The regular staff of the Hospital consists of 1 Matron,
I Assistant Matron, 3 Sisters, 4 Staff Nurses, and 10 Probationers.
The nursing requirements of an Isolation
Hospital are, however, necessarily of a very fluctuating
character, and it is an extremely difficult matter to adjust
the staff to the number of patients. Without any warning, a
sudden increased demand may be made on the nursing staff,
and has to be met in various ways, such as obtaining temporary
help. This is, of course, expensive, and is not desirable
in more ways than one if it can be avoided. The
Assistant Matron resigned during the year, and the post was
filled by the appointment of Sister Stevens. The scale of
salaries was revised during the year, and now stands as
follows:—
By Annual
Commence Increments of To
Sisters £38 £2 £44
Staff Nurses £26 £2 £30
Probationers, £18 for the first year;£20 for the second
year; and if they stay the third year, to receive £22
per annum.
This is a higher scale than has been in force, and it is
hoped that the increase will secure a good type of nurse,
for, of course, the success of the institution largely depends
on its nursing. This work is carried on away from the public
eyes, and I am sure the Council appreciate the good and
effective work put in by the nursing staff, from the Matron
downwards. The responsibility is never-ceasing, continuous,
day and night, from week to week, so that the more honour