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Transcribed by Greville Watson, November 2010 |
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Northamptonshire County Council [Extract]
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70 beds were available during the year for the treatment of patients suffering from Pulmonary Tuberculosis. These were allocated as follows:– Men 28, Women 28, Children 14 (Boys 7, Girls 7). Of these beds 14 only are available for acute and advanced cases. For the first time since the opening of the Sanatorium, all 70 beds have been occupied every day throughout the year. The London County Council kept an average of twelve beds occupied. The alternative scheme for the provision of accommodation for acute and advanced cases, mentioned in my last Annual Report, was further considered during the year 1932, and in April the Public Health Committee resolved to recommend the Council to authorise the erection, in the grounds of Rushden House Sanatorium, of a detached building to accommodate 14 cases of acute tuberculosis or cases requiring artificial pneumothorax or minor surgical treatment ; and the continued utilization of the existing 14 beds in the main building for similar cases. This recommendation was withdrawn at the May meeting of the County Council in view of the decision of the Finance Committee to defer consideration of the matter pending the submission and consideration of the report of the Special Sub‑Committee appointed to see if they could discover any further means of retrenchment in public expenditure. In July, the Public Health Committee considered the recommendation of the Finance Committee “that consideration of the proposals for the establishment of a detached hospital building at Rushden House Sanatorium … should be postponed for a further period of twelve months” and decided to withdraw their recommendation of this subject on the understanding that consideration was deferred for a period of six months only. (The Public Health Committee in February, 1933, decided to re‑submit their recommendation, and the County Council in March sanctioned the scheme and the raising of a loan not exceeding £5,500). It is hoped during the coming year to have a small ward for one bed, apart from the other wards, fitted up for serious cases and emergiences. The children’s playground has been re‑made with tarmacadam and all paths renovated. |
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Gifts
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In addition, gifts of books, magazines and toys were received, as well as many Christmas presents. The Medical Superintendent and the Committee are deeply grateful to these generous donors. |
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School
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Women patients gave valuable help in the instruction of the children. The girls, in knitting and sewing, and the boys, in mat and rug making, have done exceptionally well in manual work. |
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General
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The farm and garden have again been run without loss, and willing and useful help has been given by both male and female patients. Prior to discharge, patients receive printed instructions to report to the Tuberculosis Officer at the nearest dispensary before returning to work or school ; these instructions are, unfortunately, not always carried out. The Medical Superintendent encourages all ex‑patients to keep in touch with him, and it is gratifying that many do so. |
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