It was necessary to close down one of the three blocks at the Civil Hospital and to restrict admissions to really urgent cases. With wiling 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 Officer.
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 througout 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 jeft at the end of June after receiving their wages; the Compra- dore 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.
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The number of admissions to hospital during June, July & August was much less than usual, this accounts for the smaller number of total admissions for the year.--In order to economise labour "C" Block (comprising about 80 beds) was closed down during this period. By the 1st August the hospital was again working on normal lines with new servants-No striker was rein- stated.
On 15th December H. E. Sir Cecil Clementi, the New Governor paid an official visit to the hospital.
In Patients.-The number of patients of all nationalities admitted to the Civil hospital, (excluded the Maternity Block and Lunatic Asylum) was 5774.
1922. 1923. 1924.
.4417 .5455 .6.106
On may occasions every available bed (198 in all) was occupied and native patients had to be accommodated on long chairs and garden seats-It is more than probable that this over- crowding will continue-more accommodation for native police and accident cases is urgently needed.
The daily average of patients in hospital was, 196.
The patients were divided as follows:-
-
75
322
5377
1st class
2nd class
3rd class
Nationalities of Patients :-
1925
1924
European
859
867
Indian
1003
1147
Chinese
3912
4092
The Males numbered 4949 and the Female 825.
Deaths.-356 patients died and of these 136 died within 24 hours of admission. The death rate was 6.16 % as compared with 5.8% in 1924.
The death rates according to sex and nationality were;—
European
Indian
Chinese
Males
Females
1.9%
3.2%
7.8%
5.3%
11.5%
Epidemics.-The only diseases that occurred in epidemic form were Malaria and Dengue Fever-Both occurred during the third quarter of the year--The last mentioned was only seen in Europeans and Indians.
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