Sessional_Paper_1905 — Page 364

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During the past twelve years the admissions have been as follows :—

1893,

..2,255

1894,

2,354

1895,

2,732

1896,

......2,041

-1897,

.2,776

1898,

..2,898

1899,

.2,542

1900,

2,981

1901,

.2,989.

1902.

.2,576

1903,

.2.457

1904,

.2,667

Transfers.-Cases were transferred as follows:-to the Government Civil Hospital 8, to the Lunatic Asylum 1, to Kennedys Town Hospital 82, to Canton 128, and to the French Convent 1-total 220. The great majority of the trans- fers to Canton were cases of Beri-beri which were convalescing, or able to bear removal: the Directors having made arrangements for their reception and maintenance. The transfers to Kennedy Town Hospital were for the most part cases of Plague.

Moribund Cases.-Cases brought in moribund were more numerous than usual, being 234 males, and 41 females-275. This leaves 2,002 males, and 390 females as having been actually under treatment-2,392. Deducting cases trans- ferred elsewhere we have a total of 2,172 persons under treatment. Of these 1,023 were under European treatment and 1,147 under Chinese treatment, being about 47 and 53 per cent. respectively. Although the percentage of cases under European treatment is not quite so high as it was last year, it maintains a steadily high figure, and as far as I have been able to judge there seems very much less hesitation among the Chinese lower classes to submit to European treatment.

The Death-rate.-The death-rate seems no doubt very high compared with statistics in European hospitals, but it must be remembered that the class from which the patients are drawn lead a life of penury, are engaged in a constant strug- gle to make ends meet, and only give in when they are absolutely unable to carry on any longer. Under these circumstances it is no matter for susprise that the death-rate under European treatment amounted to 28 per cent. and under Chinese treatment to about 40 per cent.

Brought in dead.-A very large number were brought in dead-378 males, and 124 females, total 502. These bodies are brought in for diagnosis for regis- tration purposes, and the majority for free burial. Of this total 120 bodies were sent to the Public Mortuary for detailed pathological examination. For a similar reason the bodies of 150 patients who died in Hospital were also sent.

Free Burial was provided by the Hospital Authorities for 1,925 persons.

Out-Patients.-Under Chinese treatment there were 47,401 males and 16,335 females, total 63,736. Under European treatment there were 1,730 males and 761 females, total 2,491. There is a steady increase in the latter department, which I have no doubt will be maintained.

total_2,491.