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15
brandy and wine; in cases of diphtheric paralysis,
a good deal of wine is used in preparing jelly; it
has frequently been found that a soft jelly can be
swallowed by a child when liquids return through
the nose, owing to paralysis of the soft palate; for
this reason a large quantity of Brand's Essence of
Meat has been used.
The above remarks on page 11, with regard to
the diphtheria bacillus being present in the atmosphere
and actually found in the throats of the
attendants is an indication of the gravity of their
occupation and the importance of a good diet in
helping to keep them in health. Although there
have been serious cases of illness among the Staff at
different times I am happy to be able to say there
has been no death.
Including the 62 remaining in hospital at the
beginning of the year, the actual cost of the provisions
divided amongst the 549 patients comes to
£2 15s. each; in 1896 the cost for the same was
£3 5s. Counting the number of beds during 1896
at 72, the cost per bed, including all expenses, was
£70.
It is difficult to make the same calculation for
1897, as for about seven weeks, when the new
building and Farm were occupied, there were 100
beds. Owing to the very great urgency, the wards
were fuller for a time than the space warranted, but I
trust the necessity will not again arise to lead to
such a condition.