M.84
# THE TUNG WAH HOSPITAL.
382. The Tung Wah Hospital situated in the centre of the most thickly populated area in Victoria was founded by the Chinese in 1873 with the help and encouragement of the Government. It took the place of a Home for the Dying which had been conducted by charitable Chinese, and it was intended to provide treatment by Chinese herbalists, and accommodation in sanitary surroundings for the poor of the Chinese race. Originally intended for the accommodation and treatment of those Chinese whose fears and prejudices against Western Medicine prevented their applying for relief at the Government Hospitals, the Tung Wah at a later period introduced and encouraged scientific methods. As prejudice disappeared and confidence grew the demand for Western medicine increased until now the number being treated by this method equals that which still pins its faith to the plasters and decoctions of the herbalists.
383. In 1933 and 1934 the older and more insanitary of the buildings comprising the hospital were demolished and their place taken by structures of more modern design. A few old wards still remain but these will be replaced when financial circumstances permit of this being done.
384. In the present stage there is accommodation for 434 beds and this number will be increased when the back wings of the new six storey block are completed.
385. The new outpatients department is a great improvement on the old one.
386. Despite the difficulties caused by the slump and the consequent reduction of income the Directors not only maintained the standards left them by their predecessors but effected considerable improvements.
387. The outpatient departments both for western treatment and herbalist methods were transferred from the gloomy and unhygienic quarters formerly used to new premises well lighted and ventilated on the opposite side of the road.
388. The tuberculosis wards of the Yan Yan block having become vacant owing to the transfer of the patients to the Tung Wah Eastern Hospital opportunity was taken to convert them into quarters for nurses. This made it possible to accommodate the necessary number of nurses required by the hospital and to bring the number up to standard.
389. Special cooking places for the stewing of herbs to make infusions were constructed.
M.84
THE TUNG WAH HOSPITAL.
382. The Tung Wah Hospital situated in the centre of the most thickly populated area in Victoria was founded by the Chinese in 1873 with the help and encouragement of the Govern- ment. It took the place of a Home for the Dying which had been conducted by charitable Chinese, and it was intended to provide treatment by Chinese herbalists, and accommodation in sanitary surroundings for the poor of the Chinese race. Origin- ally intended for the accommodation and treatment of those Chinese whose fears and prejudices against Western Medicine prevented their applying for relief at the Government Hospitals, the Tung Wah at a later period introduced and encouraged scientific methods. As prejudice disappeared and confidence grew the demand for Western medicine increased until now the number being treated by this method equals that which still pins its faith to the plasters and decoctions of the herbalists.
383. In 1933 and 1934 the older and more insanitary of the buildings comprising the hospital were demolished and their place taken by structures of more modern design. A few old wards still remain but these will be replaced when financial circumstances permit of this being done.
384. In the present stage there is accommodation for 434 beds and this number will be increased when the back wings of the new six storey block are completed.
385. The new outpatients department is a great improve- ment on the old one.
386. Despite the difficulties caused by the slump and the consequent reduction of income the Directors not only main- tained the standards left them by their predecessors but effected considerable improvements.
387. The outpatient departments both for western treatment and herbalist methods were transferred from the gloomy and unhygienic quarters formerly used to new premises well lighted and ventilated on the opposite side of the road.
388. The tuberculosis wards of the Yan Yan block having become vacant owing to the transfer of the patients to the Tung Wah Eastern Hospital opportunity was taken to convert them into quarters for nurses. This made it possible to accommodate the necessary number of nurses required by the hospital and to bring the number up to standard.
389. Special cooking places for the stewing of herbs to make. infusions were constructed.
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