25
CALCUTTA MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS.
showing an increase of 4,119 patients. This is attributable to the grow
ing popularity of the outdoor department under the energetic manage-
ment of Dr. Adie and Dr. Brown. An outdoor department was opened at
the Eden Hospital under Dr. Drury, the Resident Surgeon, and is becoming
popular.
71. A new latrine was constructed for the "Council ward "which is said to
have met a long-felt want. The Principal remarks:—"A detached new block
of building furnishing latrine and bath-room accommodation for the west wing
of the hospital is nearly completed, and when handed over for use will enable
us to dismantle the horrible privy arrangements which at present exist upon the
verandahs. I hope, too, that we shall further have the cabin-rooms at this end
of the hospital rearranged and made more comfortable as a result of the comple-
tion of the latrines." He also adds:—"The former cholera and ophthalmic
ward has been vacated in consequence of the removal of the ophthalmic
patients to the new eye infirmary. His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor
has approved of a scheme for utilizing this space as the compounding depart-
ment and class-room for the teaching of pharmacy. The Choonee Lall Seal's
dispensary is to be converted into a contagious diseases ward, and the work of
the outdoor department is to be conducted in the ground floor of the hospital
which will have to be lighted with gas for the purpose."
72. Presidency General Hospital.—Surgeon-Major A. Crombie, M.D., was in
charge of the hospital from the beginning of the year to 3rd April and again from
5th November to the end of the year. Surgeon-Major J. F. P. McConnel
held charge of the hospital from 4th April to 17th October, Surgeon-Major
R. L. Dutt from the 18th to 28th October, and Surgeon A. Leahy from the
29th October to 4th November. Surgeon J. Clarke was First Resident Surgeon
throughout the year. Surgeon J. H. T. Walsh held the office of Second
Resident Surgeon throughout the year.
73. The total number of patients treated was 2,928 against 3,105 in 1890.
The diminution was due to the smaller number of seamen, admitted in
the year under report, there having been fewer ships in port. The daily
average number of patients was 144.63 against 151.23 in 1890. There were
127 deaths, or a rate of 4.33 per cent., against 112 and 3.60, respectively,
in 1890. The higher death-rate in 1891 was to a great extent caused by the
admissions of a large number of cases of influenza and pneumonia. The cases
of pneumonia were, in many instances, a sequel of influenza. The total
number of children treated shows a decrease, the figures being 297 against 380
in 1890. The Superintendent cannot assign any definite cause of the diminu-
tion in 1891. The number of deaths among children was 23 against 15 in 1890.
The number of patients treated for cholera was 9, of whom 7 died, or at the
rate of 77.7 per cent., against 80 per cent. in 1890. The 'vagus' treatment, as
well as that recommended by Brigade-Surgeon Ross were tried, but with no
satisfactory results. It is noticeable that cholera did not break out among
patients under treatment in the hospital for other diseases. In this connection
the Superintendent remarks:—"The cases are not so likely to occur since the
substitution of open for closed drains throughout the compound." Excluding
the deaths from cholera, the rate of mortality stands at 4.11 per cent. against 3.23
per cent. in 1890. Besides the total number of patients treated, viz., 2,928, 214
cases are shown to have been admitted into the hospital under "no appreciable
diseases."
74. The Superintendent states that "the improvements done during
1891 were brick-nogging two walls in the female ward, thereby dividing the
private rooms from the general ward and the laying down of Raneegunge tiles
in the Apprentices' and Pilots' wards"
75. Campbell Hospital. —Surgeon-Major R. Cobb was in charge of the
hospital from 1st January to 13th November, and Brigade-Surgeon S. C.
Mackenzie from 14th November to the end of the year.
76. There were treated 9,088 indoor patients against 8,415 in the previous
year, the increase being due to a larger amount of sickness among the general
population. The daily average number was 427.08 against 451.64 in 1890.
The decrease in the daily average in 1891 is attributable to smaller number of
admissions of female emigrants. There were treated 309 cases of cholera
E