92
THE PRESIDENCY GENERAL HOSPITAL.
[ Part III.
Surgical operations.
Results affected by
'' hospitalism."
There were 189 surgical operations performed (see table No. 6 appended),
but of these only 163 were treated to a termination with 49 deaths, or a morta-
lity rate of 300.6 per 1,000, a much higher rate than has been recorded during the
previous 11 years for which statistics are given. But nearly half of these deaths
were due to " hospitalism." Osteo-myelitis, which had not been seen in the
hospital for several years, was diagnosed in two cases. The years 1870, 1871,
and 1872, Dr. Chevers points out, were characterised by a decrease in the
number of deaths from causes with which the word " hospitalism" has recently
been associated; but " last year, just at the very time when it was fair to
expect that the co-operative influence of these several improvements'' (a supply
of good water, new latrines, improved drainage, segregation of the sick and the
systematic introduction of the antiseptic treatment, all of which had been
brought into use within the above period) " would act most perceptibly in
lowering the rate of surgical mortality, septicæmia increases, and osteo-myelitis
re-appear." Dr. Chevers shows, however, that two great causes of septicæmia
and its allies still continue in force, viz., a city atmosphere and the imperfect
separation of medical from surgical cases; and finally, he regards the year
as having been an epidemic period.
Improvements im.
pending.
Government has granted 6 lakhs of rupees for the improvement of the
school and hospital, and estimates and plans are being drawn up. Amongst
other things, it is intended to erect a new surgical hospital, and thus to remove
one of the most glaring defects, the mixing up of medical and surgical cases.
Training midwives.
" Another year's experience of the attempt to train native dhais as mid.
wives has, I much regret to say," observes the Surgeon-General, " been the
reverse of favourable.''
Finances.
The finances of the hospital have been economically administered, large
savings having been effected on the budget allowance under several heads.
Surgeon-General's
approbation of the
management.
The Surgeon-General concludes his remarks by observing that the success-
ful management of this large and important institution reflects great credit
upon its able Principal, and the staff of medical officers associated with
him."
THE PRESIDENCY GENERAL HOSPITAL.
The hospital staff remained as during the previous year. Surgeon-Major
J. Ewart, M. D., submitted a very elaborate and interesting report.
Duties of the staff.
Each of the three buildings which constitute the hospital is under the
charge of one of the three officers who compose the medical staff, and to
each is attached separate establishments, cook-rooms, &c.
Transfer of the pa-
tients of the Sumbhoo
Nath Pandit's Hospi-
tal to the General
Hospital.
The sphere of usefulness of the institution was increased during the year
by the transfer, under the orders of the Lieutenant-Governor, with the consent
of the governing body, of the in-door department of the Sumbhoo Nath
Pundit's Hospital to the General Hospital. This new ward provided accom-
modation for 25 native patients, and already its utility has been demon-
strated.
Number treated.
Death-rate.
Cholera.
Cholera amongst the
shipping.
The total number of patients treated underwent a diminution of 720 as
compared with the previous year, but the difference was due to the epidemic of
dengue which prevailed in 1872. It will, however, be observed from statement
No. XVII, that the number is in excess of any of the years 1867 to 1871 inclusive.
So with the mortality; in only one year, viz., 1871, when it was 36.52, per thou-
sand, has the death-rate been so low as it was last year, 38.9; and this holds good
whether cholera be included or excluded. The cholera death-rate, 339.6 per 1,000,
was less than in any of the previous eight years, and the actual number of cases
treated (53) was also fewer (except in 1871) than any year within that period.
These results, which contrast strongly with the facts observed at the Medical
College, are accounted for by Dr. Ewart by the improved sanitary condition of
the river bank and the earlier removal of patients to hospital. Dr. Ewart
attributes the occurrence of cholera amongst the shipping chiefly to the in-
sanitary condition of the river bank; it is therefore satisfactory to know that
the construction of an embankment along the face of the Hooghly, which
Dr. Ewart has urged for years, is being carried out by the Port Commis-
sioners.