483
The estimate should include the cost of the operating and aseptic tables, lavatories, antiseptic douches, &c. theatre.
What we practically want is a facsimile of this.
A two-storied building is required; on the ground floor there should be an office where the surgical instruments could be kept.
We would suggest that the disused buildings referred to in the Principal Civil Medical Officer's letter be as soon as possible taken down and the hospital kitchen erected in their place.
As the present store accommodation is very inadequate a two-storied building is required, the ground floor being utilised for stores, the kitchen being erected on the upper floor.
The kitchen would by this means be more centrally situated and could be connected with the main building by a small bridge.
The present operating theatre could be altered without much cost so as to supply further private ward accommodation, an urgent requirement as has been reported upon frequently of late years; this theatre was originally a ward.
We may add that foreign doctors when visiting the hospital, although struck with the excellence of the building and the wards generally, have frequently remarked on the need of an operating theatre more in accord with modern requirements.
The operating table, fittings, aseptic instruments, tables &c., we recommend be obtained from the same firm.