The following is an extract from the annual report for the year 1896 which was published in 1897. The original report is at the Dorset History Centre (reference number NG/HH/DO(C)/2/1/1).

________________________________________________________________________________________________

REPORT FOR 1896.

During the year 1896 the total number of Patients have been –

				For 1895.
		In.	Out.	In.	Out.
On the books Jan. 1, 1896    …		43	175	40	125
Admitted   –	Medical   …	107	} 818	} 262	} 759
“	Surgical   …	176
		326	993	302	994

Operations, 1895 ….. 43. [The year may be wrong: it seems odd to give the number of operations for 1895 but not for 1896]

The Weekly Average of In-patients was 36, as compared with 34 the previous year.

Statistical Tables, prepared by the House Surgeon, giving full details, and also a list of Surgical Operations, are given at the end of the Report.

The Expenditure of the year has been unusually heavy owing to the important works which have been completed, including repairs to the fabric, renewal of furniture, and the introduction of hot-water pipes throughout the building ; a considerable portion of which will have to be paid for as stated last year out of the Investment Fund.

All the details of Income and Expense will be seen in the Treasurer’s Statement, and it will suffice to mention here the totals–viz. :–

Income from all sources £2263 13s. 2d.

Expenditure from all sources £2920 6s. 9d.

The following Legacies have been received: –

The Lady Emily Williams £50.

Miss Foster £100.

Miss Ann Lucas  £100.

Mr. W. Clements  £10.

Mrs. Jane Fisher  £100.

Mr. Israel Noake  £450.

As in previous years many kind friends have contributed in various ways by generous gifts, to the comfort and benefit of the Hospital.

The following members of the Committee of Management retire by rotation, and are eligible for re-election : Capt. Mansel, Mr. J. S. Hull, Mr. A. H. Lock, Major Clapcott, Mr. Manfield, and Mr. Baunton.

To refer briefly to the matters dealt with at the last Annual Meeting. The addition of a Surgeon Dentist to the Hon. Medical Staff took place in May by the election of Mr. Prideaux, whose services have proved most valuable ; he having already attended to 157 cases, five being dental operations under anaesthetics ; the fact of his living so close to the Hospital has proved a convenience to those requiring his attention.

On the addition of Saturday as admission day for Country Patients, many have availed themselves of the privilege.

The relaxation of the rule relating to the age of children eligible for admission, has resulted in 10 under six years old becoming in-patients who would not otherwise have been admissible.

It is difficult as yet to gauge the result of the increased privileges granted to Collectors.

A detailed account of the various alterations and improvements to the Building was sent out to the Governors in September last.  The total cost has be £950 7s. 11d.

Two portable hand Fire Engines have been obtained, and the nurses and servants instructed in their use.

In referring to the personnel of the Hospital we wish first to express our great regret at the resignation of our late highly valued and courteous chairman, Mr. Kindersley, who for eight years had devoted himself to the interests of the Hospital. We have also to deplore the loss through death, of two valued members of the Committee-Mr. Gregory and Mr. Legg ; the vacancies thus caused were filled in May be the election of Rev. J. McClune Uffen and Mr. J. S. Hull.

The warmest thanks are due to the Honorary Medical Staff, for their constant and skilful treatment of the cases under their care.

Mr. Northbury retired from the post of House Surgeon early in the year, and was succeeded by Mr. Wyke-Smith, who resigned in October, when Mr. Adams was elected to fill the vacancy.

We believe that endeavours are made to carry on this charitable work in a thoroughly efficient manner, and trust that Divine blessing and guidance may rest on it, and on all connected with it during the course of  another year.

JOHN E. ACLAND, Chairman of Committee.

[Manuscript note added: “Elected 1^st time March 5^th 1896”]

.

		During the past Year.			From the com-mencement.
		In Patients.	Out Patients.		In Patients.	Out Patients.
On the Books 1st January, 1896		43	175		–	–
ADMITTED:
On Recommendations		217	813		13520	25337
Household Servants		4	–		273	–
Freely as Accident cases		36	–		2084	–
Emergencies		26	–		454	74
		283
Renewed Tickets	In-patients … 55. Out-patients … 215	326	993		16331	25411
Casual Cases	441 (From commencement 42742)
Dental Cases	157
DISCHARGED:
Cured		130	210		7191	9224
Relieved		72	517		4502	10561
Supplied with Trusses		–	18		5	651
Made Out-Patients		55	–		2261	–
Made In-Patients		–	36		–	1088
At their own Request		9	–		809	85
For Misconduct		–	–		48	6
Incapable of Further Relief		8	7		729	631
Improper Objects		–	–		21	54
Non- attendance		–	45		–	2713
Died		17	3		730	241
		291	836		16296	25254
Remaining on Books January 1st 1897		35	157		35	157

Average Number of Patients … … … 36. Average Cost Per Head Per Week … … … 18/6.