449
Moribund Cases. These were very high in number, 203–being 177 males and 26 females.
Deducting these moribund cases we have a net total of 2,254 persons under treatment-males 1.935, females 319. Of these there were under European treat- ment 1,176 persons, representing over 52 per cent., and under Chinese treatment 1,078, representing over 47 per cent. It will be noticed that those persons who elect to place themselves under European treatment are steadily increasing yearly. This is a matter for congratulation as shewing that a cloud of prejudice in the native mind is at last lifting.
Brought in dead.-A large number of bolies were brought in dead-males 284, females 104, total 388. Of this total, 105 were sent to the Public Mortuary for pathological examination, the symptoms detailed and statements made by the friends not being satisfactory, and such examination not being feasible at the Hospital owing to the strong prejudice of the Chinese to the use of the knife on the human body living or dead. The bodies of 153 patients who died in hospital were also sent to the Mortuary for examination.
Free Burial was provided by the Hospital authorities in 2,424 cases.
Out-patients. The large number of 7 2,835 out-patients--males 49,368, females 23,467-were under Chinese treatment. Owing to no definite arrangements hav- ing been made for treating out-patients by European methods until the last two months of the year, only a small number was recorded-215 males, and 100 females. Now, a room has been provided and a record is being kept, and we shall be able to gange fairly accurately the extent of the appreciation of the Chinese for Western methods as applied in the out-patient department.
Destitutes. The large number of 600 persons were provided with food and shelter during the past year for short periods.
Vaccinations.-1,685 succe-sful vaccinations were performed. A table is
attached.
Operations. Several minor operations were performed during the year, as
follows:-
Circumcision,
Extraction of bullet. Excision of tumour, Cataracts removed, Entropion, Urethrotomy,
1
1
1
6
1
The new wing across the road was opened by His Excellency the Governor Sir HENRY BLAKE on the 26th March. It is an airy structure, well ventilated, and contains 78 beds. The Ko FONG wards in the old hospital have been pulled down with the exception of a few rooms which have been retained for use as isolation wards and others used at present as store rooms.
This demolition has been of gain in permitting better ventilation and lighting.
The new Plague Branch of the Tung Wah Hospital was also opened by His Excellency the Governor on June 6th. It is built in proximity to the Kennedy Town Hospital, and is in direct communication with it by means of a new stone stair-way. Sixty-two patients were under treatment here and on the subsidence of the epidemic of plague it was closed on July 21st. It contains 7 wards and has accommodation for 64 beds.
Conclusion.-I must express my cordial thanks to Dr. JEU HAWK for the invaluable help he has given me in the duties which I have had to perform, and my appreciation of the ready cooperation of the Directors and Chairman.
I have, &c.,
W. V. M. KOCH, Inspecting Medical Officer.
The Honourable
The PRINCIPAL CIVIL MEDICAL OFFICER.