The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-12-12
Meeting Of Central Hospital
Directors Yesterday.
REPORT OF SUPT. MCKEE
AGO Patients Last Year and SO Were
Discharged as Cured.
DISCUSSES THE INDECENT INSANE
Recommendations For Improvements at the In
stitu.ion Made by Mr.. Mckee. A Train
ed Nurse to be Engaged For
the Hospital.

the Hospital.
At the meeting of the Directors of the
Central Hospital for the Insane, held
here yesterday the fact was brought
out that there are seventy-one appH-
cants who are denied admission because
of the crowded condition Of the institu-
ton.
1t was the annual meeting of the
board, at which the reports of the Sup
erintendent, DR.. James Mckee and other
officers were received. The business
transacted was largely of u routine ma
ture.
The Superintendent was authorized to
employ a trained nurse and IN this con-
nection the nurses at the institution will
be given regular training.
The directors expressed themselves
as highly pleased with the conduct OF the
institution, and complimented DR.. Nc
Kee and the other officers. Mr.. j. d.
Biggs, of Martin, presided at the meet
ing. Other members present were j. Il.
E1roadfoot, of Cumberland; DR.. l.. j..
Picott, of Littleton; Mr.. Edward Smith.
of Harnett; Mr.. S. o. Middleton, OF
Duplin, and MIR. w. B. Fcrd, of Wayne.
Dr. Middleton was made member of the
executive committee.
The report of the superintendent, DR..
Mckee, gives many interesting facts
Among other things it shows that on
November 30th, 1901, there were 420 pa
tients at the institution, 1853 males anc
252 females. The admissions during the
year were 143, the females being II and
the males sc.
The number of applications on file fol
admission to the hospital is II. Twenty
six were declined by reason of being
paralytics, epileptics, idiots and imoe-
Giles.
One patient was admitted on ar
emergency and lived only 23 hours, be-
ing a victim of Bright's disease. DR.
Mckee says 'tSuch patients should not
be admitted into this hospital
The percentage of deaths to popula-
ton was per cent. The number dis
charged as cured SO, the males number.
ing So, and the females 40. The number
discharged as improved was males 2 anc
females 0. One male was discharged a:
not improved The percentage of dis.
ports says the general health of the pa.
tients has been and is very good, ant
every effort to sustain by good nutriti-
Gus food given regularly and by strict
adherence to sanitary law.
The loss of good part of the herd Of
COWS at the hospital by tuberculosis cost
the institution $3.50. In addition there
was the expense of buying milk for the
institution. The infected cows were kill
ed and new cattle purchased.
The farm and garden products were not
so good during the year, but their value
is put down at $11,052.61.
The Superintendent relates the many
improvements at the institution, which
were given in detail lie report is a
very full and comprehensive one.
The report referring to the subject of
INDECENT insane, says:
The question of carrying out the leg
islative will in classifying the INDECENT
and non-indigent insane, is a most per-
picking one. Reliance upon the clerks of
courtw is about the only method to pur-
sue, they being able to tell whether Il
patient has sufficient income to provide
for those dependent uponthem or not,
and If any excess of income over and
above what it is, should be sent to the
Hospital. The authorities at the State
Hospital at Morganton, have amended
the application blank, requiring those
most concerned to make affidavits as
to the value of their real and personal
property. The plan is practicable and
entitled to trial and adoption by this
Board. The two Hospitals have an in
in md CHI niI1d
shoulder to shoulder" for the accom-
rlishment of the greatest good, in the
execution of the legislative will and the
cure, mitigation and comfort of the in
rates inthe Hospitals.
In his recommendation, DR.. Mckee
says:
The two annexes, one at each end of
the main building erected ostensibly for
hospital buildings, for each sex, but
practically and really to relieve the in
tensely congested condition of the wards.
They were constructed apparently with
out reference to a heat supply COM
mensurate with the boiler capacity of
the hospital, consequently more boilers
should be put in place to supply heat to
them. Great complaint comes from the
nurses and patients as to the suffering
when the temperature falls below the
freezing point. The same necessity ex-
lists as to the lighting plant.
This is offered without any suggestion,
as there are no appropriations at pres
ent to meet it.
A machine shop will be of the greatest
benefit for the Carpenters Department.
To properly fit up one would entail a
cost for machinery, one of about $780,.
1t will require a new house.
These suggestions are offered for your
thought and careful study. If you find
they meet with your appreciation and
endorsement, resolution can be adopt
ed at the stated meeting in April, next
The Legislature at its last session pass
cd an act giving to the Governor the ap-
pointment of three gentlemen whose
principal duty shall be to inspect the