14

REPORT ON THE

"hospitalism" in this institution. Dr. Ewart, however, urges that as this department of the
hospital is increasing annually, further accommodation will soon be needed.

Dieting.

    31. The arrangements for dieting the patients appear to be now nearly as perfect as
they can be. Dr. Ewart suggests one improvement in the dietary, which, I think, is reason-
able, and, as being calculated to render food more palatable, and therefore more beneficial,
I beg to solicit that His Honor the Lieutenant-Governor may see fit to sanction, and that is
the substitution of ghee for mutton fat for cooking purposes.

    It is hoped that, if sanctioned, this alteration will not add anything very appreciable to
the cost of dieting each patient; and it is certain that it will tend greatly to the comfort and
advantage of those convalescing from illness.

Conservancy.

    32. Dr. Ewart reports that the new system of conservancy, a combination of the dry-
earth and the water-carriage system, works well; and it is evident that the utmost attention
to details, on which so much depends, is given to the maintaining of the cleanliness and
general high sanitary condition of this hospital, and with much success, as the low death-rate
proves. The only thing wanting is the pure municipal water, which has not yet reached this
hospital. This, it is to be hoped, will be afforded to it so soon as the Chandpal Ghât scheme for
watering the roads shall come into operation and set free sufficient water for this object.

Library.

    33. The library has been removed to a room in a more central position, the books
re-arranged, and evidently much trouble has been taken to render it as attractive as possible to
the convalescents, and apparently it is much resorted to by them. Government having permitted
the small library allowance to be expended locally in the purchase of second-hand books and
periodicals and newspapers, the library is kept very fairly supplied.

Nursing.

    34. Dr. Ewart again bears testimony to the efficiency of the nurses attached to the
General Hospital, and in a special manner brings to notice the valuable assistance rendered by
the matron, Mrs. Hickey, not only in the performance of her own duties, but also in the
capacity of midwife; and he desires to be authorized to grant her a certificate of proficiency
after due examination. Should His Honor the Lieutenant-Governor see no objection, I beg
that Dr. Ewart's request may be granted.

CALCUTTA HOSPITAL NURSES' INSTITUTION.

    It is most satisfactory to find from the report of this most useful institution that increased
subscriptions in 1873 have placed its finances on a more secure footing, and that with the
increased means at their disposal the committee have been enabled to give three more nurses to
the General Hospital. The medical officers, both of the Medical College and Presidency General
Hospital, bear testimony that the services of the nurses are invaluable and indispensable.

MUNICIPAL PAUPER HOSPITAL, NOW THE CAMPBELL HOSPITAL.

Transfer to
government

    35. On the 1st December this hospital was transferred by the corporation to the
Government of Bengal with the view of constituting. it an hospital of practical and clinical
instruction in connection with the Campbell Medical School, Sealdah. For the first 11 months
the hospital was under the charge of Dr. Woodford; for the last month it has been under his
superintendence, the Native medical teachers taking charge of the wards, assisted by four
resident assistant surgeons.

Mortality

Class of cases

    36.    The mortality continues deplorably high—288.7 per thousand. This is slightly
higher than was recorded in 1872 and 1871. It is obvious that a disproportionately high rate
of mortality must be expected so long as this hospital is the last refuge of the moribund and of
the hopelessly sick and destitute. In the statement (No. XIV) below it is seen that more
than half of the total number of deaths take place within a week, and nearly 19 per cent.
within 24 hours. The figures for previous years are given for comparison.

Statement No. XIV.