USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1883 > Part 6
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And it is very satisfactory financially to see how the increasing income from the Funds under the judicious management of the
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CITY HOSPITAL.
111
Commissioners, in the sale of the real estate of our great benefactor, George Jaques, diminishes the draft upon the City Treasury.
Thus the amount actually expended by the City in sustaining the Hospital in 1881 was,
$8,121 90
In 1882, 7,123 51
In 1883, 6,854 29
And this notwithstanding that our operations are largely increased under the increased number of patients.
Thus in the year 1883 there were under treatment, 393
In the year 1882, 306
In the year 1881, 264
The patients admitted during the year past were, 371
And there were remaining in the Hospital at the commencement of the year, 22
Making 393
who have been under treatment during the year.
Of the 393 patients treated during the year-
There were,
Males, 283
Females,
110
393
Medical,
197
Surgical,
196
393
Paying,
67
Free,
326
393
Of the 371 admitted during the year-
There were,
Residents of Worcester,
317
Of other towns in Massachusetts,
39
Of other States,
15
371
And of these 371 there were Americans of American parentage,
84
And foreigners or of foreign parentage,
287
371
112
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 38.
There have been discharged during the year, 364.
Of these there were discharged as well,
187
As relieved, 113
As not relieved, 19
Not treated, 6
Eloped, 12
Died, 27
364
The death rate was 6.87 per cent. ; which is considerably less than in any former year. And of the 27 who died nearly one- half died within 24 hours of admission ; viz. : 8 within 6 hours, 5 within 2 hours, and 3 within one hour. These deaths were mostly from fatal injury.
The average cost per week of each patient in the Hospital during the past year has been $9.82.
This is considerably less than the usual average cost which in 1882 was $11.20, in 1881, $13.75, and in 1880, $12.77. The diminished average expense is from the larger number of patients ; almost all of the ordinary expenses being the same for a larger number as for a smaller, up to the convenient capacity of the Hospital.
The open land, opposite to the Hospital front, which was purchased from the appropriation, under authority from the City Government, is a proper complement to a public institution, and may be of great advantage to us in some future enlargement of our. operations. And the clearing up of the grove, in its neglected condition, was due to the memory of Mr. Jaques and the good name of the City.
The Trustees respectfully call the attention of the City Council to the suggestions in the Report of our Superintendent, Dr. Peabody, as to the need of accommodations for a larger number of patients by enlargement of the Hospital. We have now 40 beds. The largest number in the Hospital at any one time during the year was 39 and the smallest 15. It would have been a misfortune and a chagrin, if not a shame, for us with 39 on hand to have had put on us at once the nine whom we received after the late great disaster on the Gardner Rail Road, and to have been unable to take care of them. But, happily, such accidents are very rare, and we are usually prepared to meet any that occur. We might, perhaps, for a very little time be subjected to
113
CITY HOSPITAL.
some inconvenience ; but there is never a time when with a large number in the Hospital there are not some convalescents or some unfit patients, who may not be discharged for those who have greater need. The Trustees, therefore, do not recommend any enlargement at present.
The other and humane suggestion of Dr. Peabody as to some provision for unfortunate lying-in women deserves careful con- sideration. What Dr. Peabody says on this subject is well said, and is all that needs to be said. The Trustees submit it to the City Government, and make no recommendations at present.
Early in the year, viz. in February, the oldest member of our Active Staff, Dr. Joseph N. Bates, died after a long and suffering illness, which he bore patiently, receiving constant manifestations of sympathy and kindness from his brother physicians and from his many friends. His kind and genial and generous spirit will always be pleasantly remembered by all who knew him. He had served the Hospital on its Active Staff from the earliest, and his services should be gratefully recognized.
Later in the year, viz. in October and November, the two next senior members of the Staff, Dr. Rufus Woodward and Dr. George A. Bates, both of whom also had served from the first, sent in their resignations, which the Trustees were obliged to accept. The Hospital and the public cannot be too grateful to physicians who have given so much of their skill and of their valuable time to gratuitous service in care of the sick.
The Trustees repeat their expression of last year of satisfaction with the administration of the Superintendent, Dr. Charles A. Peabody, and of Mrs. Peabody ; and they commend the fidelity and efficiency of the Physicians and Surgeons who constitute the Active Staff of the Hospital.
The Report of Dr. Peabody, Superintendent, will be laid before the City Council as a part of the Report of the Trustees. It presents in detail all other matters concerning the Hospital which should be brought to the notice of the City Government.
In behalf, and by order of the Trustees,
ALBERT CURTIS, President.
WORCESTER, December 27, 1883.
REPORT
OF THE
SUPERINTENDENT AND RESIDENT PHYSICIAN.
To the Trustees of the City Hospital :-
GENTLEMEN :- The following Report of the condition and work of the Hospital for the year 1883, is respectfully submitted.
PATIENTS IN THE HOSPITAL, DECEMBER 1, 1882.
Males, 16
Females, 6
Total, 22
Medical, 7
Surgical, 15
Paying, 1
Free, 21
ADMITTED FROM DEC. 1, 1882, TO DEC. 1, 1883.
Males, 267
Females, 104
Total, 371
Medical, 190
Surgical, 181
Paying,
66
Free,
305 .
Accidents, 94
Births, 1
TREATED DURING THE YEAR.
Males, 283
Females,
110
Total,
393
Medical, 197
Surgical,
196
Paying,
67
Free,
326
DISCHARGED DURING THE YEAR.
Males,
264
Females,
100
Total,
364
Medical,
185
Surgical,
179
Paying,
58
Free,
306
CONDITION OF THOSE DISCHARGED.
Well,
187
Not Treated,
6
Relieved,
113
Eloped,
12
Not Relieved,
19
Died,
27
115
CITY HOSPITAL.
REMAINING NOVEMBER 30, 1883.
Males, 19
Females, 10
Total, 29
Medical, 12
Surgical, 17
Paying, 9
Free, 20
Largest number of patients in the Hospital, 39; smallest, 15 ; Daily average, 26.47 ;- of males, 17.03 ;-- of females, 9.44. Average time in Hospital, 23.31 days ; pay patients, 22.42 ; free, 23.52.
For pay patients the rate per week has varied from $2.00 to $20.00 ; the average being $10.14.
Of the free patients, there belonged to the City, 141; to other towns, 28; to the State, 136.
Cause of Death :- Pneumonia, 8; accident, 7; Bright's disease, 2; hemorrhage, phthisis, typhoid fever, sunstroke, mania-a-potu, heart disease, cancer, exposure, disease of stomach, 1 each.
Death Rate :- 6.87. Eight of the deaths occurred within six hours after admission.
RESIDENCE OF PATIENTS ADMITTED.
Worcester,
317
Other Towns in Massachusetts,
39
Other States,
15
371
BIRTHPLACE.
Males.
Females.
Total.
Worcester,
19
9
28
Other Towns,
45
20
65
Other States,
34
12
46
-- 139
Ireland,
114
36
150
Great Britain,
16
6
22
British Provinces,
15
7
22
Other Countries,
24
14
38
- 232
116
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 38.
OCCUPATION.
MALES.
FEMALES.
Laborers,
113
Housekeepers,
47
Mechanics,
61
Domestics,
36
Farmers,
16
Cooks,
2
Teamsters,
14
Washerwomen,
2
Mill-hands,
10
Nurses,
2
R. R. employés,
6
Operatives,
5
Bakers,
6
Dressmakers,
2
Clerks,
5
Doctor,
1
Business Men,
4
Minors,
7
Painters,
4
Peddlers,
4
104
Butchers,
3
Barbers,
3
Showmen,
2
Student,
1
Waiter,
1
Undertaker,
1
Minors,
13
267
CIVIL CONDITION.
MALES.
FEMALES.
Single,
149
Single,
40
Married,
88
Married,
39
Widowers,
31
Widows, 25
Of the male patients 42 per cent. were laborers, and 67 per cent. were single or widowers ; of the females 31 per cent. were domestics, and 62 per cent. were single or widows.
REFUSED ADMISSION.
Males, 23
Females, 7
Total, 30
Medical, 17
Surgical, 9
Confinements, 4
Since the Hospital was opened in 1871, 2,700 patients have been admitted ; one fourth of these have been cared for at the New Hospital. It will thus be seen that our work is growing. For the past year it has been larger than ever before ; and the call for increased accommodations, and increased facilities for meeting the demands upon us, is becoming more and more urgent.
117
CITY HOSPITAL.
The isolating ward, provided last year, we have been obliged to use as a general ward, because of the number of our patients ; and we really have no efficient and satisfactory means of isolating those septic cases that occasionally do occur, and which, if not isolated, expose the whole Hospital to great danger,-in the immediate risk to other patients, to officers and attendants, and in the hidden danger that ever lurks in walls, floors and furniture that have been contaminated by the germs of infectious disease. The history of hospitals teaches us, very plainly, that unless we can classify and separate our cases properly, we shall be sowing the seeds of disaster, and preparing to give death instead of healing to the maimed and wounded who seek our aid.
The old story of the refusal of confinement cases has again to be repeated. It cannot be too strongly stated, nor too often reiterated that such cases cannot be put in the same ward, or indeed under the same roof, with other patients, suffering from sickness or injury, without incurring the gravest risks. They need to be cared for as much as any patients who come here ; and it is hard to have to turn away a homeless and destitute woman, when she has nowhere else to go. Some public provision ought, in common decency, to be made for such cases.
One-fourth of the patients admitted during the year were suffering from accidents of greater or less severity. An accident ward, where such cases could be received and have the special attention they need at first, would be a relief to the other wards, a convenience to the Hospital and a great advantage to the patients. Also, a few rooms where noisy or dying patients could be placed would be very useful.
Thus I have indicated some of the more pressing needs of the Hospital. We need more room for special cases. We also need more room in a general way. We have 40 beds ; according to authorities on the subject a city the size of Worcester should have hospital accommodations for 80 patients. This city could possibly get along without any hospital at all, but, having one, it ought to be fully equipped, and prepared for those emergencies that are likely to arise. Of the great value of the Hospital to this community there can be no question. We desire to continue to
9
118
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 38.
do as good work, to reach as good results, and to make as good a record as other hospitals do. To accomplish this, we need to have the facilities ; and we need, also, to be relieved from the impending danger of contaminating our wards and thus destroying the safety and impairing the usefulness of the Hospital.
The Training School for Nurses was opened in September with five pupils. The need of better nursing both by day and by night was always a real one, and it was with the hope of improving this service, and of adding to the usefulness and the reputation of the Hospital, that the matter was brought before your Board by the Medical Staff. These hopes are now in a fair way to be speedily realized. Miss Creemer, the Lady Super- intendent of the School, came to us well fitted for the work by thorough training and extended experience. The results already reached give us the strongest encouragement for the future. It does not seem probable that we shall ever desire to return to the old system of nursing. The School will not only give the Hospital better service, but will, also, provide the community with excellent nurses, trained under the instruction and practice of leading physicians of our own city. In a little more than a year we hope to have a few nurses ready to answer the calls such as even now come to us.
Several applications from persons who desired to enter the Hospital as paying patients, but who were suffering from chronic complaints, have been refused for the reason that this Hospital is maintained for the relief of those who are temporarily disabled by accident or sickness. Chronic cases are not received, unless from the nature of the particular case, considerable benefit is likely soon to result.
The Hospital was established for the poor more especially, but it never was the design to encourage pauperism or improvidence; patients are therefore encouraged to pay, as they may be able, for the benefits which they here receive. The number of paying patients varies from year to year. This year the proportion has been larger than in some years, and the income from this source has been much larger than in any previous year. The average cost, per week, of patients in the Hospital has been rather less
119
CITY HOSPITAL.
than ever before, and the actual cost of each patient to the City (after deducting revenue and income from the Funds), has been much less.
During the year we have had many reminders from friends of their kindly interest in the Hospital and its work.
Illustrated papers, pictures, flowers, and even many trifles that are no longer useful at home, may serve to while away a weary hour, or lighten some burden of despondency and care. Enter- taining books for the Patients' Library are needed and would be valuable additions to our small collection.
Those associated with me in the management, and the employes for the most part, have rendered valuable service which should not go unnoticed.
My thanks are due to the Medical Staff for valuable suggestions, and friendly assistance ; and to your Board I am under renewed obligations for many kind indications of your confidence.
Appended to this Report are the tables of " Cases treated and their results," and the list of donors.
All of which is respectfully submitted, CHAS. A. PEABODY, Superintendent and Resident Physician.
WORCESTER, December, 1883.
Cases treated and their Results, from December 1, 1882, to December 1, 1883.
MEDICAL.
DISEASES.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1882.
Males.
Females.
Total.
Well.
Much relieved.
Relieved.
Not relieved.
Not treated.
Eloped.
Died.
Total.
Albuminuria
8
1
9
.
Alcoholism
9
2
11
6
Amenorrhœa
1
1
.
·
1
1
Bronchitis
10
4
14
5
5
3
1
14
.
Colic .
Constipation
2
2
2
Croup
1
3
6
10
3
1
3
1
1
1
10
4
Dyspepsia
2
1
3
2
1
3
Eczema .
2
1
3
1
2
.
1
3
·
1
.
.
Epilepsy (Single Fit)
2
2
2
Erysipelas
2
2
1
1
2
·
1
1
·
.
3
3
Fever (Typhoid)
3
31
11
45
34
1
1
1
37
8
Furnucula
1
1
1
1
1
2
.
·
Hemoptysis
1
2
3
1
1
1
3
·
2
· .
Insolation
2
2
1
I
.
1
1
Malingering
1
4
1
5
4
1
1
1
2
1
1
Peritonitis
2
2
2
2
Phthisis
6
1
7
2
3
1
6
1
Phthisis, Acute
1
1
Pleuritis
4
6
4
2
6
Pneumonia
1
10
2
13
4
1
7
12
1
Rheumatism
1
14
10
25
19
2
3
1
25
·
Tonsillitis
1
1
2
2
1
1
.
.
· .
Vomiting .
1
1
1
1
Total Medical Cases.
7
134
56
197
101
26 24
1 7
2 8
17 185
12
.
1
1
1
1
.
.
.
.
.
1
1
.
1
1
.
Diarrhea
3
1
4
4
Endometritis
3
3
2
·
Enteritis .
1
1
1
2
.
Febricula .
3
.
.
.
1
.
Heart Disease (Valvular)
2
2
2
2
1
Mania-a-potu
1
1
1
1
Neuralgia .
Opium Eating
1
1
2
Paralysis .
1
.
.
·
1
1
.
Typhlitis .
1
.
.
.
.
·
1
2 1
.
.
Locomotor Ataxy.
1
·
1
.
1
1
1
2
.
.
.
.
1
.
·
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1883.
ADMITTED.
DISCHARGED.
9
.
11
Anæmia
.
Cephalalgia
1
1
Debility
3
1
Fever (Intermittent)
3
.
.
·
Insanity
2
1
5
. ·
.
2
1
121
CITY HOSPITAL.
SURGICAL.
DISEASES.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1882.
Males.
Females.
Total.
Well.
Much relieved.
Relieved.
Not relieved.
Not treated.
Eloped. Died.
Total.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1883.
Abscess
·
9
3
12
1A
·
Cellulitis
1
1
·
.
.
1
1
Cancer of Jaw
1
1
·
1
1
1
·
·
·
.
.
·
.
1
5
Cancer of Uterus
Congestion of Eyeball
1
1
I
Conjunctivitis
1
.
1
1
1
2
1
1
2
1
.
1
·
Fistula of Urethra
1
1
1
1
1
Hernia .
1
1
1
·
1
1
1
.
Hypospadias
1
.
1
6
2
3
1
6
Ophthalmia
1
2
3
2
.
.
1
2
1
1
1
Phimosis .
Poisoned Wound .
1
Retention of Urine .
2
2
1
1
2
Stricture of Urethra
4
4
2
2
1
1
·
1
1
Talipes
Tumor, Abdominal
Tumor, Fatty .
1
1
1
1
Tumor, Keloid .
1
1
1
Tumor, Ovarian
2
2
1
1
2
Ulcer
2
11
7
20
13
2
1
·
.
·
17
3
INJURIES.
Bruise
9
3
12
6
1
1
1
·
9
3
Burn .
2
1
3
2
1
Dislocation, Wrist
.
.
1
1
1
.
.
.
.
Dislocation, Shoulder .
1
.
1
1
.
.
·
.
9
3
Bursitis
1
1
1
.
·
2
1
Cancer of Breast
5
5
1
1
3
1
1
1
2
Epithelioma
3
.
3
3
1
1
1
1 1 1
1
1
Necrosis
1
5
·
Orchitis
2
.
2
1
·
1
2
1
·
2 1
1
·
.
Supernumerary Digit
Synovitis
Syphilodermata
1
1
1 1 1
1
1
2
2
1
1
2
1
.
.
·
.
. ·
.
1
1
·
·
1 1
1
Coxalgia
Cystitis
Felon
Fistula in Ano .
1
.
1
Fissure of Anus
Hernia, Strangulated
1
Hydrocele
1
1
.
2
1
Paraphimosis
2
.
1
1
1
1
4
4
2
.
2
Cancer of Leg .
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
.
ADMITTED.
DISCHARGED.
.
1
3
122
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 38.
SURGICAL .- Continued.
INJURIES.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1882.
Males.
Females.
Total.
Well.
Much relieved.
Relieved.
Not relieved. Not treated.
Eloped.
Died.
Total.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1883.
Fracture, Skull .
3
3
Fracture, Jaw
Fracture, Clavicle
Fracture, Humerus .
1
.
2
2
1
1
2
·
Frac., Radius and Ulna ununited,
1
.
1
1
1
1
3
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
.
2
4
1
3
3
1
3
Injury Traumatic of Eye
2
2
1
1
2 1
Injury to Shoulder
1
1
1
1
Injury to Arm .
1
1
2
1
1
2
Injury to Elbow
Injury to Hand
3
3
1
1
1
3
1
3
2
1
3
.
Injury to Knee
1
4
1
6
5
1
6
.
·
·
1
.
.
Multiple Injuries
10
1
11
.
4
1
5
1
Wound of Scalp
8
3
11
6
2
8
3
Wound, Lacerated
1
1
1
1
Wound, Punctured
2
2
1
.
.
.
.
· .
Total Surgical Cases . 15 133
48 196
85 49 15 11
5 4 10 179
17
·
.
1
.
2
2
1
2
2
Fracture, Ribs
Fracture, Vertebræ
Fracture, Femur
Fracture, Femur, Ununited of
1
1
Fracture, Femur, Neck of .
1
1
4
5
5
1
5
Frost bite .
Gun-shot wou
3
3
3
2
1
·
1
1
1
1
Injury to Back .
1
·
1
1
1
Injury to Leg
Injury to Foot.
1
3
.
4
1 3
·
1
4 10
.
.
.
1
2
·
3
1
1
5
.
Fracture, Phalanges. Comp. of
1
4
1
1
1
Injury to Head
3
.
Injury to Chest .
1
1
·
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
1 1 2118 2
1
Fracture, Radius and Ulna
ADMITTED.
DISCHARGED.
.
·
Injury to Hip
2
1
1
3
Fracture, Fibula .
Fracture, Tibia and Fibula .
123
CITY HOSPITAL.
DONATIONS.
December, 1882. Mrs. W. Armington, pieces ; A class at Thomas St. School, pieces and papers ; Mrs. F. W. Blacker, pieces ; Miss Kate A. Taft, periodicals ; Susannah E. Thayer, pieces ; S. S. Class of little girls, a book; Miss Martha Valen- tine, Christmas cards ; Mrs. W. W. Rice, shirts.
January. Carl Johnson, Swedish books ; Mrs. Alfred Parker, pieces ; Mrs. Parker, pieces ; Miss Moore, pieces ; Knickerbocker Club of girls, a bed quilt made by themselves.
February. Mrs. C. B. Damon, pieces ; J. C. Bean, six shirts ; Mrs. B. C. Moore, pieces ; Mr. Salisbury, pieces ; Mrs. Wood, shirts ; Ladies of Church of Unity, infants' clothing; Mrs. Adin Thayer, pieces and books.
April. Mrs. N. Harkness, papers ; Mrs. Stephen Foster, pieces ; Mrs. Hiram Fobes, pieces and shirts ; S. B. Thorndike, linen ; Mrs. C. M. Lamson, pieces ; Estate of Charlotte Thayer, pieces and magazines ; Mrs. D. Merrill, magazines.
May. Mrs. Nash, magazine; M. Hawkes, papers ; E. A. Willard, pieces ; Mrs. H. P. Evans, pieces ; Mrs. Wm. Dickinson, pieces; Mrs. Grover, pieces ; Mrs. Otis Warren, periodicals ; Mrs. Swan, magazines and pieces; Mrs. Buzzell, shirts and pieces ; Mrs. G. W. Mathews, pieces.
June. Mrs. H. D. Green, pieces ; Mrs. L. Coes, pieces ; Mrs. C. B. Pratt, pieces ; Mrs. Osgood Bradley, pieces ; F. M. Clark, pieces ; Mrs. Lovell, pieces ; Dr. J. Marcus Rice, papers ; Mrs. T. W. Hammond, shirts and pieces.
July. Miss Rebecca Jones, periodicals and pieces ; Dr. L. H. Hammond, papers ; Mrs. C. B. Pratt, papers ; Rev. Geo. S. Paine, shirts ; Mrs. H. S. Dewey, periodicals and pieces.
August. Mrs. H. G. Chase, pieces ; Mrs. S. A. Budding, pieces ; I. N. Smith, papers ; Mrs. Eames, pieces ; Arthur Comins, papers ; Mrs. Moen, flowers ; Mrs. Geo. Estabrook, magazines : Miss M. Valentine, magazines, slippers and pieces ; Rev. D. Scannell, magazines.
September. Mrs. F. O. Eastman, books and pieces ; Mrs. C. E. Brooks, flowers ; Mrs. Whitcomb, pieces ; Mrs. E. L. Davis,
124
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 38.
pieces ; Miss Bigelow, pieces ; Mrs. Jason Wood, reading matter ; Mrs. Brooks, flowers.
October. Mrs. Brooks, flowers; Knickerbocker Club, peaches.
November. Mrs. Ball, pieces ; Mrs. Colton, magazines ; Mrs. H. P. Draper, papers and pieces ; Mrs. Gill, pieces.
Publishers of the Daily Spy, a copy of the Spy for the year ; publishers of the Evening Gazette, a copy of the Gazette for the year.
During the year many bundles of old linen and cotton pieces have been received from unknown donors ; such contributions are greatefully received and are always very useful. They may be left at the Hospital or with the City Messenger, No. 1, City Hall.
ADMISSION OF PATIENTS, Erc.
Applications for admission of patients should be made to the Superintendent at the Hospital, on each day of the week, Sunday excepted, between 9 and 11 o'clock A. M.
Whenever able the patient should apply in person. When not able to appear in person, application may be made by a friend. .
Persons carried directly to the Hospital from the place of an accident are admitted immediately and at all hours.
No person having any contagious disease can be admitted, and no person can be admitted whose case is judged to be incurable, unless temporarily for urgent symptoms which are deemed capable of being relieved.
The ordinary charge per week for accommodation in the wards is $10-which includes medical and surgical attendance, together with medicine, nursing and washing. Persons who are unable to pay, and whose place of legal settlement is Worcester, are admitted as free patients ; all other free patients are charged to the State or to the Towns where they belong. Patients in private rooms are charged $14.00 or more per week according to the requirements of the case.
No person shall visit any part of the premises except on business or at such times as may be fixed for the reception of
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CITY HOSPITAL.
visitors without the permission of the Superintendent or some one of the Trustees.
On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday of each week, from 3 to 4 o'olock P. M., friends may be permitted to visit patients, though no patient shall receive more than two visitors on the same day. In all cases, however, the Trustees or Super- intendent may exercise discretionary power as to excluding or admitting visitors.
No visitor shall be allowed to give any article of food or drink to a patient, unless by permission of the nurse ; and any article sent to a patient shall be left with the Superintendent.
TRAINING SCHOOL FOR NURSES.
The Trustees have made arrangements for giving, at the Hospital, two years' training to women desirous of becoming professional nurses.
Persons wishing to receive this course of instruction must apply to the Superintendent of the Hospital.
Candidates must be over twenty-two and under thirty-five years of age. They must be of sound health, and must present, on application, a certificate from some responsible person as to their good character.
After approval, applicants are received for one month on probation. During this month they are boarded and lodged at the Hospital, but receive no compensation.
They are subject to the rules of the Hospital, and are under the authority of the Superintendent of the Hospital and Lady Superintendent of Nurses, who have full power to decide as to the fitness of the nurses for the work, and the propriety of retaining or dismissing them at the end of the month of trial. The same authority can discharge them at any time in case of misconduct or inefficiency.
They reside in the Hospital and serve for the first year as assistants in the wards of the Hospital ; the second year they will be expected to perform any duty assigned them by the Lady
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CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 38.
Superintendent, or to be sent to private cases among the rich or poor.
TRAINING.
Those fulfilling the conditions of the probationary month are accepted as pupils. They must sign a written agreement to remain at the school for two years, and to conform to the rules of the Hospital.
The instruction includes :-
1. The dressing of blisters, burns, sores and wounds; the preparation and application of fomentations and poultices, of cups and leeches, and of minor dressing.
2. Administration of enemas, and use of catheter.
3. The best method of rubbing and exercising the sick.
4. Management of helpless patients ; changing their clothing, giving baths in bed, preventing bed-sores, and managing position.
5. Bandaging, making bandages and rollers, and lining splints.
6. Making beds and changing sheets while the patient is in bed, the care of patients' rooms ; ventilation.
7. Certain emergencies and how to treat them.
The pupils are taught to prepare food, together with drinks and stimulants for the sick, and all that pertains to night, in dis- tinction from day, nursing.
They are taught to make accurate observations of the state of the secretions, expectoration, pulse, skin, appetite, temperature of the body, intelligence (as delirium or stupor), sleep, condition of wounds, eruptions, effect of diet, stimulants, or medicines ; and to learn the management of convalescents.
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