( 33 )
“In addition we
Colonel HUGHES.-One of Dr. ATKINSON's answers to me was require one of the Assistant Surgeons to be resident at Kennedy Town Hospital during plague epidemics." Then I asked him what he would do when plague was not epide- mic, and he replied: "Assist wherever he is required and reside at Kowloon." Is that your idea?
Dr. BELL-Yes, he might reside at Kowloon. Of course, we have not been at full strength for some time, as so many officers have been away on leave. The man who is not doing much in the non-epidemic time would probably be appointed either to the Gaol, Tung Wah, or Kowloon while one of the other officers is away on leave. We are all becoming due for leave now.
Colonel HUGHES.-Is there an Infirmary in the Gaol?
Dr. BELL. Yes.
Colonel HUGHES.-Are all prisoners treated there ?
Dr. BELL.-Yes.
Colonel HUGHES.-Have you any idea of the daily sick?
Dr. BELL-The average is about six a day-six in hospital. Colonel HUGHES.-Are serious cases treated there?
Dr. BELL.-Yes, all cases.
Colonel HUGHES.-Never moved out of the Hospital?
Dr. BELL.-Oh, yes, occasionally by special permit from the Governor. Colonel HUGHES.-To the Civil Hospital?
Dr. BELL.-Yes.
Colonel HUGHES.-It would not take a man very long to manage six.
Dr. BELL.-The Hospital is nothing.
Colonel HUGHES.-Is there much night work at the Gaol ?
Dr. BELL.-When I was in charge, Dr. AYRES used to do that.
Colonel HUGHES.-But you have done the Gaol?
Dr. BELL.-Yes.
Colonel HUGHES.-As a rule how long did it take?
Dr. BELL. About an hour to an hour and a quarter or an hour and a half.
Dr. STEDMAN. Is there any regulation of the Government Civil Hospital with regard to two medical officers being out together?
Dr. BELL.-No,
Dr. STEDMAN. That is to say on some occasions there is no medical officer there ? Dr. BELL.—Yes; but he is not very far away; not further than the Club. Dr. STEDMAN.-There is no regulation against that?
Dr. BELL.-I simply ask and tell Dr. ATKINSON I am going out, but if he happens to be going, say, to Kowloon, then I must not go further than the Club.
Colonel HUGHES.-Is that satisfactory?
Dr. BELL.-I think so.
Colonel HUGHES.-Suppose you were both out, and a man was brought in and died ten minutes after, how would you feel?
67
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.