AnnualReport-1926 — Page 103

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The nursing in the five women's wards was in the hands of amahs and a partially trained woman, with the result that the patients did very much as they liked as regards food and clothing and many were very dirty. In April 1926 the directors agreed to appoint two trained nurses for the two wards under Western treatments. Nurse Wong, who was acting assistant Matron of the Nethersole Hospital, was secured and has worked wonders in making the patients comfortable and clean. Her ward is now on a level with the Maternity Ward. She is present at all operations on women patients and all surgical cases are admitted to her ward.

We have been less fortunate in the second Western Ward. Two or three nurses came and left at once, and the nurse that we have now is not at all up to the standard that we require. The partially trained nurse has taken over the Chinese wards and has done well. The washing of the hospital clothes has been a great problem. The clothing came back from the hospital laundry grey and dirty looking. For a time, an improvement was shown when the work was done by the Prison Department, but this was not maintained and there were complaints on both sides. The Directors have now enlarged the hospital laundry, and we may hope for an improvement.

The nursing of the men presents the same problems here as in the Kwong Wah. In May 1926, the Directors decided to try the experiment of appointing a dozen male nurses. The resident doctors were asked to teach them, and I have had a weekly class in general nursing. What is needed more than any number of classes is daily practical teaching in the wards. This I cannot do in the three afternoons, which is all I can give to the Hospital. I doubt if any helpless patients are washed except when I do it myself as a demonstration. The installation of the flush system, which is now going on, will be a very great improvement.

TSAN YUK HOSPITAL.

The Hospital was opened in the middle of October 1923. We were fortunate in securing the services of Miss S. C. Leung as Matron, and the success of the hospital is very largely due to her. The nursing staff under her changed several times in the first few months, but before the end of the first year, our two present sisters came to us and have proved a great help in all departments of the work. During Miss Leung's absence in England during the past year, they have carried on the hospital most satisfactorily.

We started our training school in the Spring of 1924 with six pupils, and in the following year took in six more, so that our numbers are now twelve, which is all that we can accommodate. A class in English is held every day by a trained teacher, and last year, thanks to Mrs. Southorn, a number of ladies have taught conversational English three mornings a week, which is already having a marked effect on the speaking of English in the hospital. Miss Leung has taught general nursing, and I have taken classes in simple Anatomy and Physiology and Midwifery. Several nurses have already passed the examination of the Midwives Board.