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19
5.—Probable future increase of Population.
After giving due consideration to the above facts and taking into
account the number of cases of infectious disease with which we have
had to deal annually since the Notification Act came in force in this
District, I am of opinion that permanent provision for 16 beds should
be made.
It would only be under exceptional circumstances that we should
be called upon to accommodate more than that number of patients at
one time, and considering the fact that to my own knowledge the
District has not been for any length of time free from Infectious
Disease during the past nine years, I do not feel justified in recommending
a less number of beds.
These should he arranged as a Ward block of 12 beds, consisting
of 2 Wards of 4 beds, and 2 of 2 beds each, arranged for the separation
of sex, and of disease if required.
2.—A probationary block of 4 beds in 2 Wards for the reception
of doubtful cases before admission to the general Wards, and for convalescents
from Scarlet Fever before leaving the Hospital.
These beds would be attached to the Administrative block, and
quite separate from the general wards.
In addition we should require a concrete foundation laid down
upon which to erect an iron or wooden ward-block in case of any wide
spread epidemic occuring, as 16 beds would clearly not be the
maximum possible requirements during epidemics of Scarlet Fever and
Diphtheria, especially if both diseases were epidemic at one time.
Some arrangement for the reception of small-pox cases would
require to be made. Since these cannot by recent regulations be
treated on the same site, I would suggest that an Iron Hospital of
4 beds in 2 wards be erected at the Sewage Works. This—with
administrative block—would cost with a concrete foundation about
£200. Failing this, I would advise that a concrete foundation be
laid down, so that a Hospital could be erected on short notice if
required.
Cost of Buildings.
As regards cost, £200 per bed is the usual estimate for a
permanent building. This is exclusive of site and furnishing.
It includes :—
1.—Laying out of site.
2.—Fencing same.
3.—Drainage.
4.—Water and Gas Supply.
5.—Mortuary.
6.—Ambulance.
7.—Disinfector.
8.—Porter's Lodge, and the whole cost of the Administrative
and Ward Blocks.
The furnishing would cost about £350—£400.