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nurses and probationers are at the present time a very capable and
willing body of workers. During the autumn, when, for a considerable
period, three diseases were being treated at the same time
(necessitating the use of three block and five or even six wards), it
was only by great tact on the part of the Matron and willingness
shown by the Sister and nurses that the work was done without
getting in any extra aid, but it necessitated united effort for all, and
convinced me that it would not be well at any time to have less than
the present number of nurses, and that if such times of pressure
were to occur often, or to be of long duration, an increase to the
nursing staff would be imperative. That the nursing staff must be
kept up as regards numerical strength and efficiency is absolutely
necessary, as at any time patients suffering from different infectious
diseases may be admitted, and it would be false economy as well as
disorganising to the Hospital generally to be under the necessity, as
was formerly the case, of getting in extra nursing aid on every such
occasion. In such a Hospital as this the nursing staff should, at
any rate, be a little over the numerical strength required for the
average number of patients, otherwise, what with the changes from
night to day duty, relieving during meal times, half-holidays and
holidays, also ambulance duty, which necessitates the absence of a
nurse for some time, and the probability of illness among the staff,
and above all the necessity of having many wards open, the work to
be done collectively and individually becomes too bard and, possibly,
altogether beyond what can reasonably be expected to be done,
whereas, if the numerical strength is such that the Matron can
apportion to each nurse her fair share of the work, and still have a
little nursing strength in hand, then the work goes on better than it
could if all were constantly working at high pressure, and when the
necessity arises for this, all willingly comply with the demand.
The Matron has, as usual, carried out her duties very efficiently,
and I have much pleasure in testifying to the thorough efficiency of
the Sister, who was appointed during the year, and who does her
utmost for the patients and the nurses under her charge.
Cost of Maintenance of Patients and Resident Staff at
the Hospital.— This works out at 7s. 7d. for each person per week,
comparing with 7s. 9d. for 1897, and with 7s. 10½d. for 1896.