Sessional_Paper_1902 — Page 133

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We further consider that some closer supervision should be exercised over, or new rules drawn up for the regulation of, the absence on leave of the officers of the Govern- ment Medical Department with a view to at least arranging for the presence in the Colony during Plague time of the nearest approach to the full staff.

There should always be a Medical Officer on duty at the Government Civil Hospital, and during his tour of duty he should not be permitted to leave the Establishment un- less for an urgent professional call.

We would suggest that the two Health Officers of the Port divide the l'ort duties between them, and that during his hours of duty, the officer on duty should always be available for the Port work. One of the two should reside at Kowloon, and during the hours he is not on duty for Port work he should attend to the Kowloon Plague Hos- pital and Mortuary, and the Government subordinate officials resident at Kowloon. During the hours when the other of the two is not on duty for Port work, he should be employed at the Government Civil Hospital or as the Principal Civil Medical Officer may require. This latter officer might easily attend to the Hygeia during non-epidemic times when he is not engaged on Port duty.

It was stated by Dr. ATKINSON in the course of his evidence that "it is the inten- tion of the Government to have a medical inspection of all ships entering the Harbour." In framing our opinion as to the above mentioned staff for Port work, we have not allowed for the carrying out of this intention, which would necessitate a much larger

staff.

In conclusion, we consider that it is imperatively necessary that during epidemic times one Medical Officer should reside at the Kennedy Town Hospital.

We have the honour to be,

Hongkong, 31st December, 1901.

The Honourable

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.

Sir,

Your most obedient Servants,

W. B. DREW, D.L.G., R.N., (Chairman.)

G. A. HUGHES, M.B., M.ch.

F. O. STEDMAN, M.D., B.S., London.

C. S. SHARP.

R. L. RICHARDSON.

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