SUPLEMENT TO THE HONGKONG GOVT GAZETTE OF 26TH JUNE, 1886. 595
The rease is pretty evenly distributed over all classes but chiefly noticeable on Private Paying ernment Servants, and Destitutes. The increase in the number of Government Servants chiefly caused by those employed on the Táit'ámtuk excavations and tunnel which has proved ry unhealthy work, and the patients suffer severely from malarial fever and its sequela.
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ar
Table V shews the character of the diseases admitted to Hospital.
Table VI shews the rate of mortality of the different classes admitted to Hospital for the past ten
shows the admissions and deaths of the different classes in each month of the adīnissions was as usual largest in the summer months.
year.
ers of admissions and deaths in Hospital for the past ten years are as follows :-
1876
1877,
1678,..
1879,........
1880,...................
1881,.....
1882,.....
1883......
Admissions.
Deaths.
.1,000
36
950
49
.1,289
50
.1,071
55
.1,055
44
..1,286
49
.1,458
68
.1,502
70
..1,354
..1,510
283
50
76
ars.
1884,...................
1885,......
The percentage of deaths to admissions was 5.03, the highest percentage but two in the last ten
Sixteen of these deaths were from injuries. There were fourteen cases of gunshot wounds; of ese two died. There was a larger number of severe injuries than usual, as will be seen by reference Table No. V, those of contused wounds, many of them of great severity, being more than double; e number being 40 in 1884 as compared with 83 in 1885.-
In the last few years the number of surgical cases have been greatly on the increase, and this is to expected with the greater increase of manufactories having complicated machinery.
This year the Superintendent was absent on sick leave for five months. During his absense Drs. ‚D, PIKE, and THOMPSON of the Army Medical Department acted alternately in his plans; but as r services could only be spared from their Military duties during the 'v, D. Nanguis performed duties at night, or in his absence I was called upon.
The services of another European wardmaster were required, and a temporary one has besia pointed with a strong recommendation from myself that the appointment shall be made permanent
ext year.
Mr. CROW, the Apothecary and Analyst, was on the sick list for some time, and considerable diffi- ty was experienced during his temporary absence, but this was less than it might have been, had ere not been a Chinese Student Apothecary of considerable experience. His services we have unfor- nately lost, and this year there is a new Student Apothecary whom it will take a considerable time instruct, before he can be of much service.
SMALL POX HOSPITAL.
Fourteen cases of Small Pox were admitted to this Hospital, of whom only one died. Most of were of a mild type.
Table VIIa shews the number and nationality of the patients admitted and the number of deaths. In the summer months, when no small pox cases are received, this building was used as a Cholera spital; nine cases were received, of whom six died. There were three Europeans, one colored man 1 five Chinese; of these, three Europeans and three Chinese died.
PUBLIC MORTUARY.
VIII gives the list of dead bodies brought in during the year, and these are yearly on the (this list does not include bodies brought from the Government Civil Hospital for examina- n, after death by the Coroner's order), Coroner's Inquests being very frequent. Dr. MARQUES has per- med the duties of the Medical Department of this new Establishment, and been assisted by a Chinese ardmaster from the Hospital. This I think is very objectionable, for not only does it take up a at deal of this man's time when he can ill be spared at the Hospital, but in view of the many and ious injuries in which he has to see to the dressing of wounds, his employment as Post Mortem endant is most objectionable, and might add to the danger of the patients. I have therefore strongly commended that instead of a watchman at this place, a resident well paid Post Mortem attendant ould be appointed, which I hope will be sanctioned.