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Transcribed by Greville Watson, November 2010 |
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Northamptonshire County Council [Extract]
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It is with deep regret that I have to record the sudden death on March 15th, 1940, of Dr. J. H. Crane, M.B.E., who had been Medical Superintendent of Rushden House Sanatorium for 19 years. Dr. Crane made Rushden House his life’s work to which he was unfailingly devoted. He has left behind him not only a concept and tradition, namely the sympathetic treatment of tuberculosis by modern methods at Rushden, but also a well designed group of buildings which we hope will survive the present holocaust as a memorial to his endeavours. Many greater men would have been content to have left less ; it has been given to few men to bequeath as much to the public service. As regards Dr. Crane’s qualities, all who had the privilege of knowing him will for long retain memories of his ready Irish wit and the kindly individual interest he took in each of his patients. The report which follows has been compiled by Dr. Lord, who succeeded to the appointment of Medical Superintendent. During the year, 71 beds have been available for treatment of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (37 for males, 34 for females). 5 patients were admitted for observation ; of these, one male patient after 38 days was diagnosed as suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis, 3 other males were ultimately discharged as suffering from bronchiestasis. One female was discharged as suffering from bronchiestasis. There were 137 admissions of patients (69 male, and 68 female) and 119 discharged (65 male and 54 female). 15 patients died in the Sanatorium, (5 male and 10 female). A large percentage were of serious type with extensive disease needing prolonged treatment in bed. No beds were occupied by London County Council patients. Treatment consisted of absolute rest substituted for suitable patients by graduated work. This routine of treatment was supplemented in suitable cases by ancillary measures. (1) Gold Treatment. 20 patients had injections of gold (12 males and 8 females). (2) Cadmium. 37 patients had injections of cadmium sulphide in sterilised Olive Oil. (3) Pneumothorax Treatment. 6 inductions of artificial Pneumothorax were accomplished during the year, and 75 refills were given to In‑patients, 2 refills were given to Out-patients to assist the Tuberculosis Officer in his absence. |
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Evacuation of the Sanatorium on Friday, September 1st, 1939
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Instructions were received to evacuate the Sanatorium of all possible patients in view of the gravity of the international situation. This evacuation was accomplished on the same day, and was possible on account of the efficiency of the Rushden Rotary Club Members who rendered invaluable assistance with their cars. 18 patients were left in the Sanatorium after this evacuation. The beddage was increased ready for use as an |
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Re-Building Scheme
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In March, 1939, the treatment block was opened. This block has previously been described and consists of X‑ray room, small theatre and dressing rooms. X‑rays were installed at the same time. The new men’s block of 14 Hospital beds was completed and opened in August. The new Hospital section of the Sanatorium with its corridors continuing into the treatment block was finally established by the opening of this 14 bed block. Work on the final 20 bed block for convalescent patients was begun towards the end of the year. |
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X-ray Work
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The provision of X-rays greatly increased the efficiency both of the medical supervision of patients and of control of treatment by gold injections and artificial pneumothorax. During the year, 194 X‑ray films were taken. A film is made of every patient on admission and at intervals of three months in order to estimate progress. In addition, 48 screen examinations were carried out. All new members of staff, nursing and domestic were filmed when they commenced duties. |
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