Western Gazette, Friday 28 February 1913, page 5

DORSET COUNTY HOSPITAL.  THE EFFECT OF THE INSURANCE ACT.  A LEGACY OF £1,000.

The annual general meeting of the Governors of the Dorset County Hospital was held at the Institution on Monday afternoon.  Colonel R. Williams, M.P., presided, and there were also present Captain J. E. Acland, chairman of Committee, and Mrs. Acland, Dr. G. G. MORRICE (hon. physician), Dr. MacDONALD, the Hon. C. H. LAW, C.B., the Hon. Mrs. LAW, Colonel Chadwick, Colonel J. L . TWEEDIE, D.S.O., Colonel F. M. BLAND, Mayor W. B. CONEY, Major Stephen WILLCOCK, the Revs. M. W. KINLOCK and R. S. HOLMES, Messrs. G. W. FLOYER, R. M. BRADFORD, W. ELWORTHY, G. DAVIS, S. D. ALLEN, A. D. JACKMAN, and W. E. GROVES (clerk).

The Chairman announced that a telegram had been read from Lord Ilchester, stating that he was unable to attend the meeting, and that apologies for absence had also been received from Dr. GOWERING and Dr. COSENS.

Captain ACLAND presented the 72^nd report of the Committee of Management.

This showed that the number of in-patients during 1912 was 446, compared with 439 in the previous year.  Out-patients had numbered 810 as against 856.  Casualty cases had numbered 288, and dental cases 215, total 1,759, against 1,793 in the previous year.  In addition, 43 received dental treatment under anaesthetics.  Surgical operations numbered 286.  Of in-patients the weekly average was 35; average stay in hospital, 26 days; average cost per week, 22s, as against 20s 8d last year.  The report continued:-

The total receipts for the year in the general account (including £200, a portion of Mrs. JOHNSON’s legacy) amounted to £2,824 8s 9d, and the total expenditure £2,785 3s 2d.

The year began with a debt of £279 17s 2d, which has now been reduced to £240 11s 7d. Subscriptions have increased £1, but collections have decreased £13.  Donations by patients reached the satisfactory sum of £61, and among the other donations the Committee wished to refer especially to the generous gift of £100 from the President, the Earl of ELDON.

Omitting the cost of the structural improvements, the expenses are £132 more than in 1911.  The chief items of increase are found under the headings of surgical instruments and appliances, lighting and firing, salaries and wages, and general repairs.

Among the many gifts received during the year from friends of the Hospital may be mentioned the usual most welcome contribution from the Ladies’ Linen Guild, a sum of £35 15s 9d from the Hospital Ball Committee, £25 from the Committee of the County Ball for an addition to the X-ray apparatus, and donations from the Football Club and the Dorchester Dramatic and Debating Society.  The services of Mr. Bernard GRIFFIN for photographic work in connection with the X-rays are gratefully recognised.

A legacy of £1,000 has been received from Mrs. JOHNSON, which together with a legacy of £50 from Captain Steward, has enabled us to invest £850 in Canadian Registered Stock, and to transfer £200 to the General Account to meet the cost of the two new bath-rooms for the use of patients, and the re-construction of the adjoining lavatories, and for the provision of a room for pathological work.  These improvements have cost £202 14s 1d, and are exceptional structural works which cannot be charged to our ordinary annual income without adding seriously to the debt.

The Matron of the Hospital, Miss EDWARDS, left in October after nearly 13 years’ service  in that most resonsible position.  Her resignation was due to a serious illness lasting some four months, and was accepted by the Commitee with great regret, for she had performed all her duties with the utmost tact and success, and had become endeared to all those who came under her influence.  During her illness, and the period caused by her resignation, the Matron’s duties were efficiently carried on by Ward-Sister FFOULKES, who kindly undertook them at a time of considerable difficulty.  Out of a large number of candidates, Miss COTTON, Matron of the Tavistock Hospital, was appointed to fill the vacancy.

With the object of keeping the electrical apparatus in an efficient state, being as it is a most important adjunct to medical and surgical work, Mr. S. HUNT, of Weymouth, had been appointed electrician to the Hospital.

As to the National Health Insurance Act, and its probable effect on Voluntary Hospitals, it has been announced officially that the main work of Hospitals is not touched by the Act, as the treatment to be afforded to insured persons is the kind of treatment that Hospitals should not be called upon to give.  Thus insured persons will need as much as ever the special medical and surgical assistance which they have been accustomed to obtain at this and similar institutions; and the subscriptions, donations, and legacies on which we have depended in the past will be equally needed in the future.  We have adopted for our own use the regulations drawn up at S. Bartholomew’s Hospital for dealing with insured patients, by which each case is judged on its merits by the Medical Staff and Weekly Board.

Continuing, Captain ACLAND said that although Hospital was in a healthy part of one of the healthiest towns in England, it was felt that it was necessary to build an annexe for the nurses, of whom they had 11 in the Institution, and he sincerely hoped it would be done.  The National Insurance Act had not yet been working long enough to lead them to any very definite conclusion as to how it would affect hospitals in Dorset, but they had it on the authority of Mr. Lloyd George, who was supposed to know everything about the Insurance Act – (laughter) – that it would in no way affect the real purposes of the voluntary hospitals.  The St. Bartholomew’s Hospital got out a scheme for the treatment of insured persons in voluntary hospitals that had been adopted by the Dorset County Hospital Committee.  The real point in it was that the really necessitous poor should obtain treatment as at the present time.  (Hear, hear.)  The question arose as to what “necessitous” meant.  Did it mean “necessitous” in a financial or a medical sense?  He wrote to St. Bartholomew’s on the point, and the explanation was that the term meant medically necessitous, and applied to those persons who, from various causes, were unable to obtain adequate medical treatment except through the agency of hospitals.  It was quite certain that the panel doctors could not take the entire cases, either surgically or medically, whether the people were insured or not.  The in-patients were the source of the greatest expense, so that if they had the medically necessitous patients still coming to the hospital they would require the same amount of subscriptions as before to keep the institution going.  The out-patients who were really trivial compared with the in-patients could be treated by the panel doctors, but at the same time it seemed that there might in some cases be something further required in the way of diagnosis or consultation, and those cases would probably still come to the hospital and be treated by their own medical staff.  The hospital had many appliances which the ordinary doctor had not, or such as he could not take about with him.  He hoped the Governors would be careful in what out-patients’ tickets they gave.  It did not matter whether the patient was an insured person or not, if it was a doubtful case it should go to the panel doctor first, in order that as far as possible the hospital might be saved the trouble of trivial cases.

Dr. MORRICE said he thought the Insurance Act would, on the whole, work without friction, and that their rules would need to be only slightly altered to meet the general conditions.

The Chairman drew attention to the fact that the support that the hospital had received during the past year was greater than that of the previous year.  In one respect there had been increased expenditure owing to the great rise in the cost of provisions.  What the ultimate effect of the Insurance Act would be on hospitals it was impossible to state, but he was inclined to think that it might add to the work of hospitals.  Illnesses that might have been passed formerly would now be brought to the attention of the panel doctors, and some of these that could not be treated by the panel doctors would, without doubt, find their way to the hospitals.  The need for the hospitals would still continue.  They were still called upon to provide for the medical treatment of those in their employ, although they were not called upon to provide for the treatment of the smaller ailments which people formerly found the means of paying for themselves.  The responsibility of providing for the relief of the poor in critical cases was still upon them, and he hoped that their duty to their fellow beings in this respect would continue to be fully realised.  (Hear, hear.)

The following were re-elected to the Committee:-  Captain ACLAND, Mr. G. DAVIS, Colonel R. H. SIMONDS, the Rev. J. M. COLLARD, and Mr. JACKMAN, and to fill three vacancies Mr. T. PEARCE, Mr. T. H. R. WINWOOD, and the Rev. H. COWLEY were elected.

The customary votes of thanks were passed to the Committee, the hon. medical staff and hon. officers, and to the Chairman for presiding.

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Western Gazette, Friday 27 February 1914, page 5

DORSET COUNTY HOSPITAL.  ANNUAL MEETING OF SUBSCRIBERS.  A NEW “X” RAY APPARATUS.

The annual meeting of subscribers to the Dorset County Hospital was held in the Male Convalescent Ward of the Institution at Dorchester on Monday afternoon.

Mr. E. Archdall Ffooks was elected to the chair, and he was supported by Captain J. E. ACLAND, chariman of Committee, and Colon the Hon. C. H. LAW, C.B., vice-chairman, there being also present: Colonels J. L. TWEEDIE, D.S.O,  E. F. CHADWICK, F. N. BLAND, and T. C. PRATT; the Rev. W. M. KINLOCH. Captain D. GRANVILLE. M.V.O., Messrs. S. D. ALLEN, G. DAVIS, T. A. PEARCE, C. H. WINWOOD, W. W. REED, and A. D. JACKMAN, the Hon. Mrs. C. H. LAW, Mrs. HENNING, Miss PEDLER, and Dr. MORRICE (hon. physician), with Mr. W. GROVES, clerk.

The Committee’s 73^rd annual report, presented by Captain ACLAND, showed the number of in-patients treated at the institution last year was 419, and out-patients 686; 131 casualty cases and 153 simple dental extractions, bringing the total up to 1,339, against 1,759 in the previous year. There had been 241 surgical operations; the average stay in the Hospital was 33 days, and the average cost per week was 25s, against 22s last year. 139 contributors to National Health Insurance were admitted as in-patients.

The total receipts for the year on the general account amounted to £2,340 6s 2d, and the total expenditure to £2,642 1s 5d. The year began with a balance shown due to the Treasurer £240 11s 7d, and on the 31st December, 1913, it was £542 6s 10d. The expenditure is not greatly in excess of 1912, and the unsatisfactory financial position is mainly due to a serious decline in the receipts, amounting to no less than £284 2s 7d. Dividends are less by £83, subscriptions by £38, collections by £18, donations (including those from patients) by £130.

Legacies have been received from Miss ASHLEY, £1,000, and Miss BASCOMBE, £73 1s 5d, both of which have been invested in W. Australian Stock; and a Legacy of £100 from Miss Eliza SWAFFIELD will be used for the purchase of the new X-Ray apparatus.

There has been a most unusual difficulty in filling the post of Resident House Surgeon, and it has practically remained vacant since 1st July. We believe that many other hospitals have had the same difficulty , and we are fortunate in having been able to obtain the assitance of Mr. B. COLLARD in the emergency that has arisen.

We are taking advantage of the formation of a Company for the supply of electricity to the town of Dorchester to introduce the direct current for the X-Ray installation. A new and thoroughly up-to-date apparatus is being obtained from Mr. Leslie MILLER, Hatton Garden, London, at a cost of £111, which we hope will enable our medical staff to deal satisfactorily with cases requiring electrical treatment. The question of the appointment of a Radiographer will be submitted to the Governors.

The Committe thank those who have made special contributions to the Hospital, either financially or by personal service. The Ladies’ Linen Guild sent 202 articles and £7 13s in cash; the Dorset  Needlework Guild, 20 garments; the County Ball Committee, £25; the Hospital Ball Committee, £42 15s 9d; Dorchester Football Club, £3 3s; proprietor of the Picturedrome £9 3s 7d; Dorchester Debating Society, £7 7s; and Mr. Bernard GRIFFIN has done valuable work taking radiographs.

The result of the Insurance Act, added Captain ACLAND, on the working of the Hospital was shown to be fairly good. All the small and minor cases had fallen off, and it was a proper thing that such cases should be attended to by panel doctors. Still many patients preferred to be treated at the Hospital as before, and he supposed it must be custom. He hoped they would continue to go on as before by taking in serious cases without making any charge upon insured people, if they were proper cases. In view of the sums that had come in he thought they could look forward to carrying out contemplated improvements in the coming year without increasing the amount of their expenditure. (Hear, hear.)

The report and statement of accounts were adopted.

The question of the appointment of a radiographer for the “X” Ray apparatus was considered, and it was referred to the Committee, with power to act.

Colonel the Hon. C. H. LAW, C.B., Mr. S. D. ALLEN, the Rev. W. M. KINLOCH, and Colonel BLAND were re-appointed to the Committee, and a ballot was taken to fill three vacancies, with the result that the Rev. H. C. COOTE, Colonel TWEEDIE, and Major HENNING were elected.

Votes of thanks were passed to the Committee and the hon medical staff and hon officers, which were acknowledged respectively by Captain ACLAND and Dr. MORRICE.

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Western Gazette, Friday 26 February 1915, page 9

DORSET COUNTY HOSPITAL.  THE CLAIMS OF WAR.  SUGGESTED NURSES’ QUARTERS

The annual meeting of governors of the Dorset County Hospital was held at the Board-room of the Institution at Dorchester on Monday afternoon. Owing to the absence of Colonel Sir Robert WILLIAMS, Bart., V.D., M.P., owing to indispositon, Canon HANKEY was elected to preside, and there were also present; Captain J. E. ACLAND, chairman of the Committee of Management; Mrs. ACLAND, the Hon. Mrs. Cecil LAW, the Mayor of Dorchester (Alderman S. D. ALLEN), Drs. P. W. MacDONALD and G. W. GOWRING, the Rev. Canon COLLARD, the Rev. H. C. COOTE, Colonel J. L. TWEEDIE, D. S. O, Messrs. T. H. R. WINWOOD, W. ELWORTHY, T. A. PEARCE, A. D. JACKMAN, and W. E. GROVES, clerk.

Captain Acland presented the 74^th annual report of the Committee of Management, which showed that the in-patients during the past year had numbered 609 in and 484 out, against 419 and 636 respectively last year. The casualties had numbered 210, against 131 last year; dental (simple extraction), 135, against 153. There were 63 dental cases additional of Kitchener’s Army. The surgical operations numbered 257 (241 last year); in-patients-weekly average, 48 (31); average stay in hospital, 29 (33 days); average cost per week, 23s 9d (25s). The admissions include 185 service patients, 19 Belgians and five Germans. The report continued :-

The total receipts on the general account are £3,709 9s 10d, which includes a sum of £300 from legacies not invested , and £40 1s 6d from the balcony fund; the total expenditure amounts to £3,422 19s 8d. Both receipts and expenditure are affected by the admission of the Service patients, the expense incurred on their behalf being met by payments from the War Office. There has been a further decrease in subscriptions amounting now to £100 in the last two years, but there has been an increase in dividends and donations. The balance now shown as due to the Treasurer is £329 3s 7d.

We offer our sincere thanks to the friends who have contributed to the Hospital by their kind gifts and help for the comfort of the patients :- County Bell Committee, £20; Fancy Dress Ball, £33 0s 6d; Dorchester Debating Society, £10 10s and proceeds of Mr. BEST’S lecture, £3 5s 3d; Dorchester Picturedrome, £2 16s 6d; Dorchester Football match, £7 11s 5d; anonymous donation, £150; and the usual contribution of linen, &c., from the Ladies’ Linen Guild.

Legacies received during the year were Mr. George GALPIN, £200 Captain E. W. WILLIAMS, £100; Mr. G. T. CHAFYN GROVE, £100.

Two improvements which should be of permanent value to the patients have been completed during the year-(1) the electrical work of the Hospital has been much advanced by the purchase of the new X-Ray apparatus, and by the appointment of Mr. B. COLLARD as hon. radiographer-the operation theatre has also been fitted with the electric light-and (2) the balcony has been practically re-built, making it wide enough and convenient for patients’ beds; it has also been covered with a glass roof. These additions are being paid for out of the legacies of Miss Eliza SWAFFIELD and Mr. GALPIN, a portion of the expenses for the new balcony being met by a special donation fund.

The original X-Ray installation, which was given us by the “Ladies of Dorset,” has been taken into use by the Blandford Cottage Hospital, and is therefore still available for the poor of the county.

The difficulty referred to last year in finding suitable candidates for the post of House Surgeon still continues, and has indeed been accentuated by the outbreak of war. Mr. Bevil COLLARD was, however, able to continue his services to the end of the year, and thus saved us temporarily from a serious difficulty, but he has now left, having obtained a commission in the R.A.M. Corps.

The Matron, Miss COTTON, appointed in 1912, resigned in June, 1914, to take up work in Birmingham. Miss MARLOW, matron of the Dorset County Home for Nurses, was selected to the vacancy, and has carried on the responsible duties of her office, through a time of special difficulty, with much tact and success.

At the commencement of the war we decided to make provision for the treatment of Service patients in so far as this could be done without interference with the needs of those for whom the County Hospital ins maintained. About 60 additional beds were provided here, and 30 more in the Masonic Hall, which was lent by the kindness of the Dorchester Lodge of Freemasons. These 90 beds and other requisites were supplied for the most part by the kind help of the Hon. Secretary of the County of Dorst Branch of the British Red Cross Society.

Major HUGHES ONSLOW generously gave the use of Colliton Park House to the Moreton Voluntary Aid Detachment, where 21 beds were utilised for wounded Belgians. All these extra patients entailed a serious responsibility on our Hon. Medical Staff and Matron, to which they responded with the utmost readiness. We wish to acknowledge also the help obtained from members of the Dorchester Voluntary Aid Detachments, Red Cross Society, who have assisted the regular nursing staff.

Continuing, Captain ACLAND stated that from the beginning of the war, and all through so far, the Committee had set their minds to the fact that there should be no diminution in the provision made for civilian patients amongst the poor of the county, that they should be treated there just as if there had been no war at all. (Applause.) He had made enquiries and he found that there had not been a single case of refusal for the reason that they had been taking in service patients. (Hear, hear.) The paid staff of the Hospital had been worked at very high pressure, and he thought the greatest possible praise and thanks should be accorded to them. (Applause.) The average cost per patient last year per week was 25s, and the War Office, for the service patients they had taken, had paid them 24s 6d, so that they had about paid themselves, as this year the average worked out  at 23s 9d. The ladies who had so kindly come forward voluntarily as nurses had done excellent work, and there would consequently be a considerable number of ladies in the county who would have gained valuable experience in nursing patients. Their work would, therefore, be like the “quality of mercy,” it would be “twice blessed.” (Hear, hear.)

Mrs. ACLAND observed that the ladies of the Linen Guild had been good enough to send, at her request, a second consignment shortly after the outbreak of the war, so that she did not think they could be expected to contribute again this year.

The report and statement if accounts were passed, and a record was ordered to be made in the minutes of a vote of thanks to the paid staff for the great amount of work that they had performed consequent on the outbreak of the war.

The members of Committee retiring by rotation were Mr. ELWORTHY, Mr. WILTON REED, Captain GRANVILLE, Mr. WINWOOD, the Rev. H. COWLEY, and Colonel TWEEDIE, and they were re-elected. –The usual votes of thanks, passed with the customary heartiness, were recorded, setting forth the great value of the work of the hon. medical staff and the hon. officers.

Captain ACLAND remarked that the next most important improvement would be the provision of a separate building for the nursing staff. (Hear,hear.)

Colonel TWEEDIE agreed, and estimated that about £2,000 would be required for the purpose. This, he thought, should be raised by a special appeal, and a small fund raised to keep the nurses’ home going.

Dr. MacDONALD thought the provision was very necessary and desirable, but questioned whether the present was the proper time to embark upon such an effort.

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Western Gazette, Friday 3 March 1916, page 5

DORSET COUNTY HOSPITAL.  THE CALL OF THE WAR.

The annual meeting of the Governors of the Dorset County Hospital was held at the Board-room of the Institution, Dorchester, on Monday afternoon, where there were present:  Colonel Lord ELLENBOROUGH and Lady ELLENBOROUGH, Captain J. E. ACLAND (chairman of the Committee), the Rev. H. C.  COOTE, the Rev. R. S. HOLMES, Captain D. GRANVILLE, M.V.O. (chief constable of the county), Colonel TWEEDIE, D.S.O, Colonel BLAND, and Messrs. S. D. ALLEN, G. W. FLOYER, W. W. REED, A. D. JACKMAN, T. H. R. WINWOOD, T. A. PEARCE, and C. H. HEMGILL; with the clerk (Mr. W.  GROVES).

The report of the Committee of Management for the year showed that there were 929 in-patients and 538 out-patients, as compared with 609 and 484 in the previous year.  The casual cases numbered 302 against 210; dental (simple extraction) 116, against 135; making a total of 1,885 against 1,438 last year.  There were 41 additional dental cases for anaesthetics, and surgical operations 351 against 257.  The average stay in hospital was 44 days, and the average cost per week 24 s, against 23 s 9d last year.  The admissions included 528 Service patients, and 13 German prisoners.

The Treasurer’s statement showed that the total receipts on the general account were £5,492 6s 1d, and the total expenditure £5,080 15s 9d.  These figures were affected by the admission of Service patients, on whose behalf payment had been made by the War Office, both the receipts and payments being very greatly in excess of anything previously experienced.  At the close of the year, however, a balance was shown in the hands of the Treasurer of £82 6s 9d.  No legacies had been received, but there had been a slight increase in the amounts from subscriptions, collections, and dividends.  At the commencement of the year, owing to the uncertainty naturally attaching to the financial outlook in these abnormal times, the Committee decided to undertake no constructional work, and nothing but the most necessary repairs.  The two improvements referred to last year, viz., the purchase of a new X-Ray apparatus, and the re-building of the patients’ balcony, had proved most beneficial.  The next improvement to be taken in hand was the building of an annexe to accommodate the nursing staff, and owing to the kind initiative of Mr. and Mrs. WINWOOD a fund had already been started for this purpose.  When a sufficient sum had been collected the building would be erected on their own ground adjoining the Hospital.  The Committee accepted an estimate of £131 8s from Messrs. BROOKING, for wiring the whole of the building for the electric light, and the work was being carried on at the present time.  At the commencement of the war the Committee decided to offer beds for service patients, in so far as this could be arranged without neglecting the wants of those for whom the Hospital was maintained.  They believed the result had been successful, but it had entailed much extra work and responsibility on the whole staff, the weekly average of in-patients having risen from under 40 (in normal times) to 82.  The Committee took the opportunity of acknowledging the cheerful and patriotic spirit of in which the very onerous duties of the various departments had been carried out.  The voluntary services of members of the Red Cross detachments had also been most welcome, and they offered them their hearty thanks for their help in this time of emergency.  To the hon. medical staff there was expressed the most sincere appreciation of the manner in which their important duties had been rendered, made specially arduous owing to the large number of sick and wounded soldiers admitted for treatment.

Captain Acland moved the adoption of the report, observing that the main feature of the year was the work done in connection with the war.  In an ordinary year the cost of food, for instance, ranged at about £700, but in the past year the amount was over £2,000.  He thought the most sincere thanks were due to the members of the permanent staff, including the house surgeons, the Matron, the dispenser, the clerk, and he desired to include the cook.  The nursing staff had been very much tried, as would readily be understood.  Instead of engaging a number of professional nurses, the Committee had been able to full back upon the Red Cross nurses.  (Hear, hear.)  As soon as the war was over he thought they would be called upon to embark upon a great expenditure, as the wear and tear of the Hospital had been very great.  New linoleum would be required, and painting would be necessar as soon as their military patients had left them.

Colonel Lord ELLENBOROUGH seconded.  The Red Cross nurses, he said, had been content to come to them as probationers, and they worked on, and were able to do more useful work as time passed.  (Hear, hear.)

The report was adopted.

The retiring members of the Committee, Captain ACLAND, Mr. G. DAVIS, Colonel R. H. SIMONDS, Mr. A. D. JACKMAN, and Mr.  T. A. PEARCE were re-elected; and in the place of Canon COLLARD, who had left the district, and the Rev. W. M. KINLOCK, who had retired, Mr. Miles PATTERSON, Broadmayne, and the Rev. W. G. BARKLEY, Charminster, were appointed.

Mr. H. F. WHITELEY was re-elected hon. auditor, and the customary votes of thanks were passed to the Committee of Management and the hon. medical staff.

Captain ACLAND referred to the sad bereavement that had fallen upon Alderman G. DAVIS, a member of the Committee, in the death of his  wife, and on his suggestion it was resolved that a vote of condolence be forwarded to him.

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Western Gazette, Friday 23 March 1917, page 7

DORSET COUNTY HOSPITAL. ANNUAL MEETING. LADIES’ SERVICES SUGGESTED.

The annual meeting of the governors of the Dorset County Hospital was held on Monday afternoon at the Institution, Dorchester, under the presidency of Colonel Kindersley PORCHER.

Captain J. E. ACLAND, chairman of Committee, presented the annual report. This stated: –

During the past year there had been 836 in-patients and 577 out-patients, compared with 929 and 538 respectively last year. The admissions had included 452 service patients and 7 German prisoners of war. The casual cases had numbered 107, and dental cases of simple extraction 103. There had been 93 dental cases with anaesthetics, and surgical operations numbered 227. The average cost per week was 28s 9d, against 24s last year. The total receipts on the general account amounted to £6,936 3s 10d, and the total expenditure to £7,915 13s 4d. There had been a very great increase in the cost of provisions, the total being £970 in excess of the corresponding charge in 1915, although the weekly average of in-patients was somewhat lower. There had been a considerable rise in the total of “Nurses and Servants Wages,” and some items of expenditure of an incidental character should also be mentioned, which had involved an outlay of over £400, viz.: – Installation of electric light, new baths, new sterilizer, blinds for the outside balconies, and a thorough cleansing of the whole building rendered necessary by its crowded occupation.

Compared with the previous year, subscriptions were less by £12, but collections are £38 higher, for which sincere thanks were offered to those who helped the work in this way.

The Chaplaincy fund was so far reduced in amount that the stipend of the Chaplain had fallen below that usually given.

Legacies of £540 and £140 had been received from the Exors. of the late Mr. W. H. P. WESTON and Mrs. FOOKS.

In the last report the Committee drew the attention of the Governors to the fact that they wished to provide better accommodation for the nursing staff, and this had now been carried out by the acquisition of No. 1, Alexandra Terrace, a house adjoining the Hospital grounds, and, therefore, well suited for the purpose. The property had been purchased with the legacy of the late Mr. Purcell WESTON, and the necessary repairs and furnishing had been paid for by the generous donations of friends asked to contribute towards this object. It had, therefore, been effected without any charge falling on the general funds of the Hospital, and the most cordial thanks were given to those who have helped in this great improvement.

Another very important addition to the equipment of the Hospital had been the conversion of the horse ambulance into a fine motor ambulance with a trailer, which could also be used by hand for short journeys in the town. This most useful acquisition was also the result of a special appeal.

In the course of the year they had also received much kind help in many ways from those who had not forgotten the needs of the Hospital in the somewhat numerous appeals for more definite war work.

Sincere thanks were offered once more to the Dorchester Lodge of Freemasons for the use of their hall for service patients, and to Mrs. HUGHES ONSLOW for Colliton House. Through their kindness beds were found for some 64 patients in addition to the 60 provided for in the Hospital.

The continuous pressure of work owing to the large number of sick and wounded soldiers had proved a very serious strain on the medical and nursing staff, and, indeed, upon all who were responsible for the daily duties of the Hospital, and the Committee desired to express their appreciation of their successful efforts in so patriotic a cause.

It was true, continued Captain ACLAND, that the large number of wounded treated at the Hospital had added materially to the expenses, but it was also pleasing to note that the subscriptions and collections combined showed an excess of receipts over last year of about £25. (Hear, hear.) Then they might very reasonably have made the electric light a capital charge, instead of bringing it into the accounts for the current year. Taking the accounts all round, and the many calls there had been upon the general public, he thought they might be regarded as being highly satisfactory. (Hear, hear.)

The following members of the Committee, who retired by rotation, were re-elected: – The Rev. H. C. COOTE, Colonel Lord ELLENBOROUGH, C.B., Major HENNING, Colonel BLAND, Mr. S. D. ALLEN, and Mr. Miles PATTERSON. Mr. H. WHITLEY was also re-elected hon. auditor.

The customary votes of thanks to the Committee and hon. medical staff and hon. officers were passed.

Mr. WINWOOD referred to certain comments, which, he said, were being freely made in the town on the subject of the management, and he mentioned that it was thought in some directions that advantage would be gained by securing the good offices and the advice of a certain number of ladies on the Committee.

The Chairman pointed out that according to rule, the Committee was to consist of 13 members, and that at the present time there were no vacancies on that body.

Captain ACLAND agreed that in many ways the services of ladies might be most valuable, particularly in matters of housekeeping, and he would promise that the question be brought forward.

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Western Gazette, Friday 13 July 1917, page 2

NEW MATRON OF THE DORSET COUNTY HOSPITAL.-At a meeting of the Managing Committee on Tuesday afternoon Miss HILL, who for several months has been acting matron at the Dorset County Hospital, was appointed matron in succession to Miss MARLOW, the regrettable breakdown of whose health necessitated her retirement.  The new matron is no stranger, for a few years ago she was head nurse, or “sister,” at the hospital.

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Western Gazette, Friday 7 March 1919, page 8

DORSET COUNTY HOSPITAL.  WHAT HAS BEEN DONE FOR THE MILITARY.  PERMANENT IMPROVEMENTS.

The annual meeting of the subscribers and supporters of the Dorset County Hospital was held at the Committee-room of the Institution on Monday afternoon.  The Mayor of Dorchester (Mr. G. J. DENNIS) was voted to the chair.

Captain J. E. ACLAND, chairman of the Committee, presented the annual report, which showed that the in-patients during the year had numbered 879, against 725 in the previous year.  The out-patients numbered 649, against 557.  The casualties dealt with numbered 165, surgical operations 25, simple dental extractions 37, and ditto with anaesthetics 28.  The weekly average of in-patients was 77, the average stay in the Hospital 35 days, and the average cost per week 30s, against 27s 1d last year.  The admissions included 414 service patients.  The military wards were cleared on December 31^st of overseas patients, and it seemed, therefore, the Committee added, a suitable occasion to place on record the share taken by the County Hospital, and others affiliated to it, in making provision for the treatment of sick and wounded soldiers.  At the commencement of the war 120 beds were offered to the military authorities; of this number 70 were in that building, and 50 in the Masonic Hall and at Colliton House, kindly lent by the Lodge of Freemasons and Mayor Hughes ONSLOW respectively.  Another hospital was opened in Church-street by Mrs. ACLAND, in a house lent by Sir Robert WILLIAMS; which was used at first for local troops, but affiliated later to the County Hospital.  In April, 1917, the Colliton House Hospital was taken over by the Red Cross Society as a separate unit, and its connection with the County Hospital thereby ceased.  The Masonic Hall was also handed back to its owners later in the same year.  Throughout the whole of the war period the needs of the civil population of Dorset had been constantly kept in mind, and it was believed that they had not suffered by the provision made for Service patients.  They were still providing beds and electrical treatment for disabled and discharged soldiers, and special thanks were offered to “The Ladies of Dorset” for providing funds for the purchase of the electric installation which would remain an important addition to the equipment of the Hospital.  The Committee also mentioned the patriotic services of the members of No. 5 Dorset Men’s Vol. Aid Detachment as hospital orderlies. For their constant attention to the patients through the weary night-watches they offered warmest thanks and congratulations on their share of war-work, successfully maintained and most beneficial in its results.  Canon COOTE  had devoted himself ungrudgingly to ministerial duties in the military wards, and to frequent services in the chapel, which had been of the greatest benefit to the service patients and other inmates.

The military occupation, Captain ACLAND went on to state, had led to many important developments, which would later on come in for the benefit of the civil population of the county.  One instance was the electrical department, which had been in working order for some time.  This was started for the soldiers entirely, but would now remain as one of the principal assets of the institution.  Another development, which was a very important one, and that they had found out, now that the military had gone was that there was a great deal of spare accommodation.  The spare accommodation, it was thought might be used for a class of patients who might require the performance of serious operations and special surgical treatment, who could not bear the cost of being taken to special homes for the purpose, but who could at the same time pay something for treatment at the Hospital.  (Hear, hear.)  The Hospital would not be the losers by having such patients, and it would be carrying the principles out for which it was founded.  (Hear, hear.)

The Treasurer’s statement of accounts showed total receipts £7,609 18s 8d, and the expenditure £6,546 19s 6d.

The reports were adopted, and Captain ACLAND added that the total number of service men treated from August 1914 , to December 31^st, 1918, was 1,949, and in addition they had some Belgians at Colliton, and 25 German prisoners who had to come in for serious operations that could not be dealt with outside.

The member of Committee re-appointed were Capt. J. E. ACLAND, Mr. G. DAVIS, Rev. W. G. BARCLAY, Mr. A. D. JACKMAN, and Mr. T. A. PEARCE; and the Rev. BOWDEN SMITH was appointed int he place of Col. R. H. SIMONDS, who did not wish re-election.

The customary votes of thanks were passed to Committee and hon. medical staff, and a special vote of thanks was recorded to the dispenser, Mr. CARTER, for his arduous and continuous work during the period of the war and at all other times during his long period of service.–Mr. T. A. PEARCE mentioned that a gratuity had been suggested as being due to Mr. CARTER, but it was thought  that this question would best be left with the Committee.

Mr. CARTER was called into the room and made acquainted with the resolution that had just been passed, and in expressing his thanks, he said he had not missed a single day during the period of the war in his attendance at the hospital either Sunday or Bank Holiday, trying to do his duty.

Captain ACLAND:  And succeeding.  (Hear, hear.)

A similar vote of thanks was passed to Miss HILL, the matron, and Mr. JACKMAN also mentioned the important work that the night orderlies had done in the hospital, sometimes at great inconvenience to themselves.

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Western Gazette, Friday 15 July 1921, page 3

FORTHCOMING FANCY FAIR AND FETE.-The fancy fair and fete to be held on Wednesday, in aid of the funds of the Dorset County Hospital, will be one of the events of the year.  A round of enormous attractions is promised, lasting from morning until night.  The day opens with a “money trail” and a grand procession of florally decorated cars.  The fair and fete will be opened by Mr. Thomas Hardy, the famous novelist.  A “Black and White City” will be found in the West Walks, concerts and other entertainments will be given, the bands of H.M.S. Barham and of the British Legion (Dorchester branch) are to be in attendance, and besides dancing, there is to be a grand fireworks display.

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Western Gazette, Friday 8 March 1935, page 7

DORSET COUNTY HOSPITAL.  APPOINTMENT OF HON. SURGEON. At a meeting of the Committee of Management of the Dorset County Hospital on Wednesday, Dr. G. O. TAYLOR, Dorchester, was appointed honorary surgeon to the institution.  He succeeds Dr. F. W. SUMNER, whose resignation had to be accepted under the new age limit rules.

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Western Gazette, Friday 4 April 1947, page 3

Dorset County Hospital. £3,000 Loss on Year. Reorganisation to be Pressed On.

A deficity of £3,030 on 1946 was reported to the annual meeting of governors of the Dorset County Hospital at Dorchester on Friday. Mr. W. J. BRYMER, chairman, said that despite this the Committee proposed to press on with reorganisation and necessary improvements, confident that the Hospital’s friends would rally to its support. “We are determined that the Dorset County Hospital shall play its part worthily in the efforts which are being made to improve and enhance the value of hospitals to the sick and suffering in this country,” he said, “and although the future of the Hospital must inevitably remain uncertain until the National Health Service is put into operation, the Committee is confident that the hospital will be called upon to play a key part in the new service.”

The Committee of Management reported that during the year there were 1,607 in-patients (an increase of 140) and 3,713 out-patients (652 increase). Due to delays and the shortage of labour and materials it had not been possible yet to adapt Somerleigh Court as a maternity unit, but it was hoped it would be ready during the coming year. As a temporary measure the Gables was being used as a temporary maternity unit.

Somerleigh Gate was to be converted for use as a preliminary training School for nurses with accommodation for ten student nurses, and would prove a valuable acquisition. Mr. BRYMER extended the Committee’s thanks to the Matron and the hospital staff, to the linen guild and the egg collectors, and paid tribute to the work of Dr. E. W. MANN, who had recently retired. His work as chairman of the honorary medical staff had been of enormous value.

INCREASED COSTS.

The financial statement was submitted by Mr. E. J. STEVENS, who drew attention to the increased cost of running the Hospital – £24,326 in 1946, an increase of £3,616 on the previous year. The average cost of each in-patient – £5 5s 2d per week – compared with the much publicised cost of £17 in a publicly controlled hospital not many miles away. He thought the Committee was justified in feeling well satisfied with their voluntary effort. During they year they would be in a position to discharge the £5,000 outstanding on the purchase of Somerleigh Gate although he added, “I am not free at this stage to disclose the course from which this money will spring. During the year they had received bequests amounting to £1,147.

The voluntary system woudld cease on April 1^st, 1948. Recalling that last year he had been “called to account” for his criticisms of the Government’s proposals regarding voluntary hospitals he said he remained unrepentant. Many amendments had been accepted in the House of Lords with the result that to-day the position from the voluntary hospital’s point of view was “much rosier than when the Bill was first brought forward.”

VILLAGES CONTINUED SUPPORT.

Mr. Douglas JACKMAN said that the Contributory Scheme raised £4,499 10s 9d last year. Of this amount £1,893 3s 2d had been collected in Dorchester and the remainder in the villages – Ashley Chase £2 7s 8d, Batcombe £5 15s 11d, Bladen Dairies £15 12s 9d, Bere Regis, £34 0s 4d, Bockhampton £44 19s 2ed, Bradford Peverell £47 9s 6d, Broadmayne £76 0s 5d, Buckland Newton, £25 10s 10d, Came £25 19s 1d, East and West Chaldon £33 3s, CAttistock, £96 4s 4d, Cerne Abbas £90 16s 5d, Charminster £60 6s 7d, Compton Valence £13 13s 8d, Godmanstone £25 3s 9d, Herrison Hospital £104 0s 7d, Little Bredy £54 3s 8d, Litton Cheney £21 13s 4d, Maiden Newton £164 19s 8d, Melcombe Bingham £98 3s 5d, Milborne St. Andrew £84 3s 7d, Milton Abbas £106 8s 9d, Monkton £14 7s, Moreton £53 3s 2d, Piddletrenthide £95 5s, Piddletown, £203 1s 7d, Puncknowle £30 12s 4d, Rampisham, £33 5s 11d, Stoke Wake £7 6s 3d, Stratton £132 10s 6d, Sydling £53 16s 11d, Warmwell, £28 2s 2d, West Knighton £30 7s 6d, West Lulworth, £59 6s 2d, West Stafford £25 9s 2d, Winfrith £115 17s 9d, Winterborne Abbas £52 9s 3d, Winterborne Clenston £8 18s 4d, Martinstown £105 4s, Wool £190 15s 10d, and a special effort per Mr. R. C. JESTY (Grimstone) £23 11s. Mr. JACKMAN commented that 19 districts, despite the difficulties of collections this winter, showed increases.

CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES.

Expressing his thanks to the Committee of Management, Mr. A. J. SCUTT (president), recalled that it was the late Sir Robert WILLIAMS, who was so keen that Christian principles should prevail in the Hospital and the Committee had kept that ideal going. “We do not see too much of Christian principles in life,” he added, “but the Chairman and the Committee of Management have done their duty in that respect and I am very pleased to stand here and say so. Commenting on the future he felt it might not be as bad as they had thought. “The people who are in power are beginning to find that water won’t run uphill,” was his comment.

The retiring governors were re-elected: – Mr. JACKMAN, Mr. A. H. EDWARDS, Mr. C. R. WORDSWORTH, Miss E. A. WILLIAMS, the Hon. Mrs. Berkeley WILLIAMS and Lieut-General A. N. FLOYER-ACLAND for a period of three years, and the Hon Mrs. Van de WEYER, who succeeded Miss MARSDEN, for one year until the latter’s term expires when Mrs. Van de WEYER will again come up for election.

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Western Gazette, Friday 30 April 1948, page 7

Dorset County Hospital. “State Aid Was Essential,” Says Chairman

Mr. W. J. BRYMER, chairman of the Dorset County Hospital, who has been actively associated with the work of the hospital for the past 25 years, told the hospital governors at the annual meeting at Dorchester on Friday, “Though I am a Conservative at heart, I admit – and everyone who has anything to do with voluntary hospitals admits it – we should have found it hard to go on maintaining an efficient hospital without some financial aid from the State.”

The Vice-Chairman, Mr. E. J. STEVENS, said the assets of the Hospital, which would be handed over to the State, would amount to approximately £100,000 – the accumulation of voluntary efforts by Dorchester and District during the past 107 years.

The annual report showed there had been 2,099 new in-patients, 4,824 new out-patients and 1,472 casualties. Out-patient attendances numbered 25,674. Although the hospital’s income had risen from £21,296 to £27,055 it had not kept pace with expenditure and consequently there was a deficiency of £6,318 on the year’s working. To meet this, investments held in general funds, had been realised. Mr. STEVENS explained that much of the increased expenditure had been in improving equpment and appliances before the transfer. “We have a thoroughly up-to-date hospital, which compares with any of its size in the country,” he said.

Mr. Douglas JACKMAN said the Contributory Scheme had another record year and had raised £4,743 for the hospital. Of this £1,953 was collected in Dorchester itself and the remainder in 42 country districts. Since the inception of the scheme in 1922, no less than £63,488 had been collected for the hospital, every penny of which had been handed over without deduction for any expenses. He paid high tribute to the tireless work of the collectors who alone are responsible for this amazing result, and in particular mentioned three, Messrs. C. B. BROWN and F. CUFF (Dorchester) and G. PUCKETT (Frampton) who had continued their work from the start.

The Chairman extended his thanks to the medical profession, and the many helpers and supporters who had brought the hospital up to its “rather high standard of efficiency for a provincial voluntary hospital.” Sir Harry SMITH asked whether any further meetings of the Governors would be held, and Mr. JACKMAN, who is a member of the Regional Hospital Board, replied, “I think in the future there will stil be annual meetings of the Committee of Management will have to render account of their stewardship to the people they serve.”

Mr. A. J. SCUTT, re-elected president of hte hospital, referred to the “Christian atmosphere of the hospital and the late Sir Robert WILLIAMS’ influence in that respect.” He added, “our respective chairmen and committees without exception, have all been what I would call Christian people and they have spread an atmosphere which I am sure all who have worked her and in-patients must have found.”

The six retiring Governors were all re-elected – Mr. BRYMER, Miss D. R. CLAPCOTT, Mr. W. R. ELWORTHY, Mrs. M. A. RADCLIFFE, the Hon Mrs. Van de WEYER and Sir Philip WILLIAMS.

GIFTS TO CONTRIBUTORY SCHEME

Details of the villages’ support for the Contributory Scheme are: –Ashley Chase £3, Batcombe £10, Claden Estate and Bere Regis £35, Bockhampton £65, Bradford Peverell £46, Broadmayne £74, Buckland Newton £24, Came and Whitcombe £26, Chaldon £33, Cattistock £66, Cerne Abbas £63, Charminster £56, Compton Valence £14, East Lulworth £79, Frome St. Quinton £13, Godmanstone £32, Herrison Hospital £112, Little Bredy £70, Litton Cheney £20, Maiden Newton £212, Melcombe Bingham £101, Milborne St. Andrew £87, Bladen Dairies £13, Lutton Abbas £114, Martinstown £136, Monkton £24, Moreton £43, Piddletrenthide £118, Piddletown £226, Pucknowle £24, Rampisham £34, Stoke Wake £6, Stratton £132, Sydling £49, Warmwell £70, West Lulworth £65, West Knighton £52, West Stafford £29, Winfrith £122, Winterborne Steepleton £55, Winterborne Clenston £10, Wool £206.