Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1879-10-11
THE CITY HOSPITAL.
A Few Facts and Figures Worthy of
Consideration.

80 A1EIA
tai, which we regret is too lengthy for
our columns, a selection is made of
the portions which, in view of the
present extravagant manner of treat
ing yellow fever, will cause every re-
%aecting mind to pause and consider
the economical plans and successful
methods suggested by the doctor.
At the outset he states that ~
cases Of yellow fever have been treat
ed in the city hospital, during the
month of September, in addition to
the sixty cases mentioned in my last
report. OF the q cases 8 died, all
the rest either have recovered or will
recover; thus giving a death rate of
less than 81 per cent, which has been
about the average mortality Of yellow
fever eve since its history began.
But included in the n cases, were at
least 3 which might be safely consid-
cred as in the articles of death when
admitted, as evidenced by delirium,
%hiccough and an irregular or intermit-
tent pulse. Leaving these three out
of the account, we have 8 deaths to
"A cases, or an average mortality of
little over 20 per cent"
After commenting on the irrational
dread Of the INDECENT sick at the idea
of being sent to the hospital, the doc
tor goes OIL to say that he " can see no
reason save from want of inclination,
why, for the last month, all the indi-
gent sick of the city, yellow fever as
we'll as others, could not have been
cared for here, and at no very great
additional expense" He also believes.
and this is a matter for serious consid-
Grafton, that the city hospital could
have sheltered all the INDECENT sick of
the city during the whole epidemic.
To sustain this position, the doctor
shows that according to the board of
health reports the aggregate cases Of
yellow fever were about 1850. OIL
these the different benevolent organi-
cations attended $50, leaving only
1890 to be cared for by the city.
As an Offset to the cases that may not
have been reported, he counts those
able to pay their own expenses and
allows 200 additional, making the
number 1900. divide these 1900 cases
by 3, as they are spread over a space
Of nearly three months, and we have
400 for each month then assume that
each patient stays in the hospital an
average of Is days (which is ample),
and we have a daily average of 200.
This is only double the average num-
Der cared for ordinarily" The regu-
lar hospital organization having to be
maintained in any case, the only thing
to be considered, SO far as board and
medicines are concerned, is the cost of
the additional 100 patients. For these
the estimate (from past bills is s. a
month, or $3.50 for each patient, max
ing a monthly total Of $500.
In addition to the ) regular nurses,
he states that about 80 extra nurses
would be required, at wages ranging
from SIS to $40, which, with board,
would amount to $3.50. These So
nurses" says the doctor, working
Systematically, and aided very materi
ally by 80 or 40 %convalescents Il always
work my convalescents), would have
nursed the 200 cases considered in a
much better manner than if nursed in
the usual way, scattered throughout
the city. The medicines and applian
ces Of the sick room can be used much
more intelligently and effectively un-
der trained nurses and a thorough
hospital organization than in private
practice"
The following tabular statement will
express more concisely the cost of
treating the 1900 yellow fever patients
under consideration
Board aud medicine for 100 extra
cases, s. each per mOnth...........s 500 %
Wages OF TO extra nurses, $40 each
per month 90 90
Wages Of 40 extra nurses, SIS each
per W w
month go. ......r." '~~~.g.~ $50 90
Salaries Of 2 extra physicians, Sl00
each rer month. 200 90
Total for one month. 81, $50 o.
Total for three months. ....~...... $3.50 0O.
Cost Of treating each patient~~..~..s 4S7h
The doctor explains that this esti-
mate applies only to the extra or yell
low fever expenses proper, and not to
the regular expenses of the hospital,
which would have been 800 or $500
additional. And there may be a mis-
take as to the 1900, the estimate made
of the INDECENT yellow fever sick. If
49,. 1EOn IL Ill.