Annual report : 1931 / Gateshead Children's Hospital.

  • Gateshead Children's Hospital (Gateshead, England)
Date:
1931
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Annual report : 1931 / Gateshead Children's Hospital. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    12/36 (page 10)
    A new electric lift has been installed to replace an old hand¬ worked lift. The working of this old lift was so laborious and un¬ satisfactory that the provision of a new, up-to-date lift is something to be thankful for—for the conve3mnce of patients from one floor to another, especially to and from the operating theatre and for other obvious uses. We venture to state that this improvement has not been made too soon in an institution like ours which ma\ justly claim a very high level of efficiency. The Michaelmas Market, conducted by the Ladies7 Com¬ mittee, was again a great success, realising over This welcome addition to the May Day Fund is extremely satisfactory, as this Fund defrays the expense of the X-ray equipment, as well as other items out of the run of routine Hospital expenditure. The Annual Christmas Tree festivities were held at the Hospital on Monday, December 21st, and the Mayoress of Gates¬ head, Mrs. J. H. Ritson, graciously presented to the patients toys, and other gifts generously provided by various friends of the Hospital. Proposed Contributory Schemes for increased and regular financial support for Hospitals have been very much discussed during the last few years. There appears to be little likelihood of such a scheme being adopted in the near future, in this district. Those present will perhaps recollect that quite recently the Committee of Management of the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, declared against such a scheme by 24 votes to 16. One important fact, however, has been clearly established. Although the workmen who do subscribe, contribute very substantially there is no doubt that there is a very large number of people who receive hospital benefit but do not share the burden of upkeep or contribute in any definite way. As you will gather from the Report of the Honorary Medical Staff the Hospital is working to its full capacity and although more work waits to be done it is not at present within our power. Without speaking of a new Medical Ward, for which the land was so generously given by Lord Northbourne and his father, there are certain smaller requirements which are becoming urgent, such as a Tonsils Treatment Ward, separate Light Department, etc. These would require not only additional room but additional staff, and this is impossible until we have 'more accommodation for such staff.