National Republican., 1883-08-11
THE FREEDMAN's HOSPITAL.
What DIR. c. u. Purvls, Physician In
Charge, snys ina his Animal REPORT.

Dr. G. B. parvis, physician in charge OF tho
Freedmans hospital has submitted his an
nual report to the secretary Of the interior,
in which he says: "The whole number of
patients admitted and treated was l,6Ol, of
whom 1,O17 were colorcd, 5s3 white and 1
male Indian. of the colorcd $50 were males,
ig7 females: of the white 46j were males and
lis females The average admissions were
III 5.12 per month, an increase OF % per
cent over last year, and more than double
the number admitted five years ago. There
were 81 cases Of confinement. The death rate
has been large, but still smaller than last
year. though the number treated was one
fourth greater. A large per cent. of the
deaths resulted from consumption. very
many were in tho hospital only short time
prior to death"
4 table Is presented showing that 80 died
in periods ranging from five minutesto forty
eight hours after admission \ large number
of surgical operations were performed during
the year, which were uniformly successful,
and a list of 81 is given, including amputa-
tions, removal of tumorS and cancers, &c.,
setting fractures, gunshot wounds, and other
difficult cases.
About 300 pensioners were admitted and
treated upon recommendation of the commits
sioner of pensions and chief OF police Inc
hospital has been of special service to this
class, who came from all parts of the country
and from the various soldiers homes and ar
rive here in sick and destitute condition.
In the dispensary 2,O05 persons were treated.
During the year | was compelled to make
quite q number of improvements for the
health of the patients and safety of the prop
erty. They consisted in repairing the line
fencings. roofngs, roroofng of two female
wards which leaked badly and caused the
ceilings to fall. which was u source of danger.
Two wards were painted outside and six in
side ana the hallway of the main building
was painted. Tho grounds have been much
improved by the planting of flowers aud
shrubbery, and present an attractive appear
ance.
The sanitary condition of the institution is
excellent and the department of the patients
and attendants has been all that could be de-
sired. The management takes pleasure in
noting the increased interest of the better
classes of citizens in the institution. The
comfort of the patients requires some addi-
tional improvements which the present APP
preparation will not warrant me in under
taking There should be four additional
water closets built. There should be also
verandas at the ends of the two female wards
and across the west front of the main build
ing In addition to the sanitary advantages
they would afford they would also serve as
fire escapes. / shall transmit estimates for
these improvements with the estimates for
each fiscal year.
Convalescent patients and those waiting to
be confined are required, rs far as practicable,
to perform some light service. Most of the
clothing used in the hospital is made by the
females. The principal articles made are 32
bedsacks, 96 counterpanes, 81 pillow clses, 53
pillow ticks 2C) sheets, Isl cotton shirts, Ill
pairs drawers, % chemsos, l2S dresses, III
aprons, 81 handScrchiefs, 10 bonnets, n skirts,
and % night gowns.
Religious services are held three times a
week in the chapel on Wednesday evenings,
and Sunday morning and evenings. These
exercises are conducted by two theological
students from Howard university, who re-
ceive their board for their services They
visit the wards daily with letters for the pa
tients. and perform such other services as may
be required of them. Ministers from the city,
representing the various denominations, are
permitted to visit the hospital ut all hours OF
the day and night. Medical students from
the several colleges have availcd themselves
of the clinics and the opportunity to study
diseases at the bedside when under the super
vision of the medical staff. desire to make
mention of the faithful manner in which my
associates and the attendants have discharged
their duties. The number of admissions has
been large and the medical corps has been
fully taxed in providing and caring for tn,
| sick