The sanitary condition of the institution has been good. To keep clean is one of the ordeals we have to contend with; many of the patients are from an element which is constitutionally opposed to being clean or to being made clean, and the rule of the hospital as to bathing at stated intervals is looked upon as barbarous, and is often the cause of murmuring and discontent. Convalescent patients and those waiting to be confined are required as far as possible to perform some light service. The men assist in taking care of the grounds, and the women assist in sewing. Most of the clothing used in the hospital is made by the female patients; the mending is done by them. The following articles have been made: Bedsacks, 20; counterpanes, 111; mattresses, 60; pillows, 40; pillowcases, 155; pillow-ticks, 143; sheets, 261; towels, 134; shirts, 213; drawers, 301; chemises, 36; dresses, 85; aprons, 138; skirts, 35; handkerchiefs, 41; bonnets, 6; pants, 9; gowns, 39; curtains, 23. Religious services were held, as formerly, three times a week in the chapel. These exercises are conducted by two theological students from Howard University, who receive their board for their services. They visit the wards daily, write letters for the patients, and perform such other services as may be required of them. Ministers from the city, representing the various denominations, are permitted to visit the hospital at all hours. Medical students from the medical colleges of the city have availed themselves of the clinical advantages offered to witness operations and study disease at the bedside. The colored students have found the hospital of much advantage to them, as they enjoy advantages here not allowed them elsewhere, and every opportunity has been offered to them. Students from the training school for nurses have also been allowed to visit the wards daily, under the guidance of the attending physicians; they have been able to obtain much practical and valuable information. The table marked G will show the growth of the institution each year for the past eleven years. During the year ending June 30, 1875, 190 were admitted; during the last year 1,794 were admitted. The medical staff has had all it could do to attend to the surgical and medical cases properly. The deportment of the patients and attendants, as a rule, has been excellent. In an institution of this character, where the persons admitted represent every element of society, vicious ones will occasionally be met, who seemingly take pleasure in violating every rule. During the last session of Congress I succeeded in securing a deficiency appropriation of $1,400 to purchase a new force-pump, to so alter the porches of two wards as to make them a means of fire-escape, and replace the wainscoting of the buildings. During the year I built four bath-rooms in the female wards, which have proved to be of great comfort to the patients. There are still other necessary improvements to be made, estimates for which will be duly forwarded to you. There is great need of two additional bath-rooms and water-closets in the male wards. Those at present in use are too small and in every way unsuited to the wants of the patients. They should be kept exclusively for the use of those patients who have infectious diseases. A new and more economical method for heating the buildings should be adopted. For this I have had a careful estimate made, and I feel sure, if introduced, the saving in fuel will in a few years pay for the cost of the same. This hospital was established in 1862; it was then confined to barracks. Sixteen years ago the present site was selected and buildings erected. During these years many thousand patients have been treated, 6287 I-42 the number increasing each year. In view of the great service it has been, and as it is the only hospital of the kind in the country, I would suggest that the Government purchase it and part of the park adjoining. Respectfully submitted. C. B. PURVIS, M. D., TABLE B.-Number of deaths occurring within ten days after admission, and the time each was in the hospital prior to death. 1 died in 10 minutes after admission. 2 died in 45 minutes after admission. 1 died in 1 hour after admission. 1 died in 28 hours after admission. 10 died in 2 days after admission. 1 died in 24 days after admission. 8 died in 3 days after admission. 4 died in 4 days after admission. 7 died in 5 days after admission. 2 died in 6 days after admission. 2 died in 7 days after admission. 6 died in 8 days after admission. 3 died in 9 days after admission. 5 died in 10 days after admission. 67 TABLE C.-The diseases and conditions for which patients were admitted to hospital and treated in dispensary. |