328
The following figures will shew the increase in the first and second class private patients during the past year.
First Class patients, Second Class patients,
1888.
1889.
6
17
..12
32
9. I have also to call attention to the increased traffic along Hospital Road which is detrimental to the rest of the patients, especially in the early hours of the morning, and would suggest that the road be closed as a thoroughfare between the hours of 8 P.M. and 8 A.M.
10. The improvements recently carried out in the buildings in this neighbourhood have, I regret to say, led to the property being used as Chinese Boarding Houses the result being that the quiet pre- viously enjoyed by the patients is no longer obtainable hence the importance of the Government as far as it is feasible doing all in its power to prevent innovations of this kind.
II.--SMALL-POX HOSPITAL.
11. The temporary small-pox buildings remain as before.
12. After careful consideration the construction of a hospital ship for the reception of all cases of infectious disease has been decided upon, and no time should be lost in completing and placing it at the disposal of this Department.
13. I recommend that the present premises after a little alteration be used as Reception Wards where all suspected cases of infectious disease should be retained for observation before removal to the Hulk.
III.-ADDITIONAL OFFICERS' QUARTERS.
14. This building situated at the corner of High Street and Eastern Street is not yet completed but it is to be hoped that it will be finished ready for occupation before the end of this year.
IV. HOSPITAL PREMISES.
15. Flower beds have been laid down in the recreation grounds but from the nature of the soil improvements of this nature have been found difficult, but with the kind assistance of Mr. FORD their present condition is a marked improvement on that previously existing. The present staff consisting of one gardener is insufficient to keep the gardens as they ought to be kept. I therefore submit that in framing the Estimates for next year an assistant should be allowed for this purpose.
16. The suggestions contained in my report of last year have not yet been carried out viz.:
1st. The substitution of a low parapet wall surmounted by a substantial open iron railing in place of the present high wall along the Hospital Road frontage of the premises adjoining the main building.
2nd. The substitution of an iron railing instead of the present temporary bamboo fence along the High Street frontage of the grounds adjoining the Superintendent's house and used as a recrea- tion ground for the convalescent patients.
17. The insecurity of the Hospital premises on the north side also requires attention.
V. THE HOSPITAL STAFF.
18. An Assistant Medical Superintendent, a long needed want in this Institution, was appointed by the Secretary of State and Dr. TooGOOD assumed the duties of this office on the 28th July though unfortunately he resigned his appointment on the 10th September, but I am pleased to say the vacancy was filled by the appointment of Dr Lowson on the 1st of November.
19. Mr. CROW on the arrival of the Sanitary Superintendent returned to devote the whole of his time to the duties of Government Analyst and Senior Apothecary.
20. Mr. WATSON resigning his appointment of Assistant Apothecary, on 31st May we were de- prived of the services of this officer. I take this opportunity of bearing testimony to the able and conscientious way in which he always performed his duties and regret very much to have lost his services.
21. Mr. ROGERS, the steward, left on the 10th January on a twelve months' leave of absence-ā rest well deserved by this hard working and conscientious officer. Arrangements were made so that Mr. WATSON should fulfil this officer's duties. On Mr. WATSON's resignation Mr. WYLIE, the Ward- master in charge of the Lunatic Asylum, was appointed acting steward.
22. The two Chinese Apothecaries' assistants Mr. U I KAI and Mr. CHAU KAM-TSÜN have performed their duties to my entire satisfaction.
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