Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-01-03

for so many were restored to health. Not
withstantling the contagious character OF
the diseases with which these soldier pa
tients We're suffering, they were gladly
welcomed by the hospital nurses, who in
the courageous discharge Of duty were
frequently Obliged to work long over
hours. During those trying weeks. when
so many desperately sick men We're max
ing uae fight for life, these nurses con
stantly and cheerfully made large sacri-
fees of time and strength in the devoted
care accorded their patients. Despite their
constant exposure to the disease during
number OF weeks, but two of them con-
tracted Il, though, fortunately, in a mild
form The grateful letters received by
the matron from many of these soldiers
since their discharge shows how thoro-
ughly they appreciated the unwearNing
care and attention that was given them
at the hospital. The total amount Of SER
vice rendered these patients up to Jan. !,
1899 was l2S Al weeks.
/, seldom falls 10 the lot of a newly
established hospital 70 do so large work
as has been accomplished by the one III
b ba f Six snre st apri we .hink !,
good wishes OF Maine people and the
loyal support of the community whore II
is located: II still has many pressing
needs TO fill 1t needs money and fur9sh
ings and free beds. To Dr. Nancy Will
liams, Of this city belongs the credit of
supplying the institution with its frs
free bed. We trust that others may fol-
low her example.
The lack ofSmeans has thus far enforc-
ed an economy in the conduct of the
hospital that has permitted no departure
from the line of absolute necessities. Our
private rooms. therefore. are strictly
limited to actual needs, and While sufii-
GENTLY equipped for the comfort of their
patients. still lacking in the pictures.
rugs, draperies. dishes. toilet and orna-
mental articles that lend warmth and
cheerfulness TO an apartment. As yet pri-
waite citizens have not engaged in the
special furnishing of rooms. as has been
the case in the older hospitals OF the
State; but all these things are sure to
come in time, for the people Of the Ken
nebec valley are no less public spirited
than those In other sections of Maine.
In closing. We cannot refrain from eX-
pressing the hope that our citizens will
give I hrs noble institution the support It
merits. We know of no way in which any
man or woman could accomplish a
greater work of good In this section OF
Maine than by giving us 5000 for, the
perpetual endowment of a free bed. If
they do not feel able to do this. DIT is still
in their power by contribution of $3.50
to maintain one for whole year. and the
amount of suffering that would thus be
aileviated in that time can scarcely be
estimated. In this connection. however.
the fact must never be, overlooked that
even under the most favorable circum-
stances. where the regular prices are paid
by the patient or his immediate friends,
the work of any public hospital is always.
of necessity. largely pnilanthropic and
gratuitous in its character. 1t costs near
ly 81 week more than the regular hos
pital prices to maintain a ward patient.
No where else in the world save in such
institutions Is IL possible for those in
suffering and in need to secure lodging.
board. skilled medical attendance and
trained nursing at an expenditure of
dorar a day.
tits our earnest hope that creditable as
has been the record of the hospital in the
period covered by this report the coming
wear may see material increase in the
facilities and in the good work ii is able
to accomplish.
c. 3. Burleigh. j. Manchester Haynes. A.
w. Whitney, Seth G. Whitehouse. b. T.
Sanborn, Ira II. Randall. s. w. Lane.
Geo. f. Macomber. H. NJ. Heath. Di-
rectors.
Following the report of the directors
came that of Treasurer Gould. who
showed that while a large amount had
been expended during the year fovGur
nishings and permanent improvena g.
there existed at Jan. /. 1898, a. deficit
of only S4S1. Steps for raising which
are alreadyxgeil under way.
Or. b. 1aN5t, for the visiting
committees e6 that the conduct
of the hosrtfaE ad been found upon
all occasions "a efficient and orderly,
and that spirit of devotion to it's
work had animated those connected
with it1fn the discharge of duty.
The report of the superintendent of
nurses showed that of II young ladies'
who have been admitted to the train
ing school as probationers. 4 were ac-
cepted as nurses and 5 rejected.
There are also two probationers in
the school at the present time. In the
eight months from April to Sept. l.
80 patients We're treated at the hospital
This is only seven less than were treat-sI
en- by the Maine General hospital in
the first year of its existence. Forty
nine Of these patients We're on the sur
gical side and Al on the medical side.
Of the total number So were males and
3S females. There was one death on
the surgical side and 10 on the medical
side. 81
The old list of officers was reelected
for the ensuing years.
Chas. A. Brewer. postmaster OF
n. - 1o,, 49, a