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It was necessary to close down one of the three blocks at the Civil Hospital and to restrict admissions to really urgent cases. With willing outside helpers and cheerfully borne extra work on the part of the staff both European and Chinese it was made possible to tide over the crisis until the strikers could be replaced.
Medical Inspection of Schools.-A whole-time School Medical Officer, Mrs. Minett, was appointed during the year. Previously the medical inspection of schools was done to a limited extent by one or other of the Medical Officers.
A brief report by Mrs. Minett is enclosed.
Information concerning epidemic disease in Far Eastern Ports. Most valuable information was received weekly by cable from the Singapore Bureau concerning the prevalence of serious infectious disease in the Ports of the Far East.
New Buildings.-The Kowloon Hospital was opened during December, the work having been much delayed during the strike.
The Hospital is on up-to-date lines and provides 46 beds. Work on the Victoria Hospital was greatly delayed owing to the strike and much still remained to be done at the end of the year.
V. HOSPITALS, INSTITUTES, &c.
Dr. C. W. McKenny was the Medical Officer in charge Civil Hospital until 25th February when he went on leave. He was relieved by Dr. D. J. Valentine. Dr. W. L. Paterson was second Medical Officer throughout the year except for a period of seven weeks when his place was taken by Dr. J. R. Craig.
Nursing Staff.-Fifteen sisters arrived from England. Some of whom have taken up their duties at the New Kowloon Hospital and the Victoria Hospital.-Miss G. Chettle and Miss M. Wilson (former sisters) were appointed Assistant Matrons to the Victoria and Kowloon Hospital respectively and Miss Davis was appointed Home Sister. Miss H. A. Lawrence retired on pension on 17th April, and Miss Rennie and Miss Kelly resigned on 11th April and 30th November respectively.
Buildings etc.-No large structural additions or alterations were made to the hospital.-Work was continuous on the New Block of quarters for the Sisters and the building was nearing completion at the end of the year.
The work of the Civil Hospital would have progressed very much as in previous years but for the general strike that took place in June.-Several of the boys and coolies and all the cooks left at the end of June after receiving their wages; the Compradore was unable to supply food. A considerable amount of inconvenience was experienced but the difficulty was met and overcome by the ready assistance and energetic cooperation of Voluntary workers and all departments of the staff.