Organisation : | Waterford County Museum |
Article Title : | Desperate Haven - The Famine in Dungarvan |
Page Title : | Shandon Cholera Hospital 1849 |
Page Number : | 7 |
Publication Date : | 08 February 2011 |
Expiry Date : | Never Expires |
Category : | Irish Famine 1845 - 1852 |
URL : | https://www.waterfordmuseum.ie/exhibit/web?task=Display&art_id=330&pagenum=7&lang=en |
Due to the increase in the number of fever cases that occurred within the previous two to three weeks the Fever Hospital in Abbeyside became overcrowded. There was also a cholera and small pox epidemic that exacerbated the situation. The Board of Guardians decided, on 28 April 1849 to accept the proposal of Mr. Jeremiah Morrissey and Mr. Patrick Ronayne to let their house, office and concerns at Shandon as a permanent and sufficiently large Cholera Hospital. The rate of remuneration for the premises was £80 a year, subject to the condition that should the Guardians 'require the premises for a lesser period than twelve months and by the Boards giving notice thereof at any time on or before 30 October next to surrender said house and concerns, the amount of remuneration for such term of six months shall not exceed £65 stg.' Obviously permanent in this context meant for the duration of the epidemic. 1. To assist in compounding medicines for the Cholera hospital, Weekly Report from 29 April to 10 May 1849. The number of patients admitted was 220, all of whom had come from the Workhouse or its auxiliaries, with the exception of two who had come from Abbeyside. There were 137 patients in hospital at the end of the week, of whom 30 were convalescents. Weekly Report, on 16 May 1849. Admitted 138 The admissions were on the decline daily since first report, although the number in hospital remained about the same. Weekly Report, on 23 May 1849. Admitted since 58 - Died 201 - Convalescent 85 - Fit to be Discharged 50 - Remaining Under Treatment 80 Of the above number of 58 admitted:- 16 came from Keating's store 58 Total There was a decrease of 80 on the numbers admitted on last report. Despite this decrease the hospital was much overcrowded. The number of inmates at this stage was 244. The cholera and fever epidemics were rampant, as is evident from the above report. Not only the patients were infected, but so also were some of the nurses and convalescents. The mortality rate was 48 per week.* The Medical Officer stated that the average mortality would not have been so great if the patients were not all received in an advanced state of collapse. This was due to lack of immediate attention, and also to their mode of conveyance to hospital i.e. the barrows. Signed: P. Travers, J. Coman. This mortality rate figure quoted was based on the number of deaths averaged over the four week period. Weekly Report, on 28 May 1849 Total No. Reported 416 Of the above 52 admissions:- 15 came from Keating's store There was a decrease of six in admissions on previous week, although admissions from the town and vicinity increased. These patients as well as those coming from the Workhouse were in an advanced state of collapse. In addition to the 75 women discharged a further 30 men and boys were ready for discharge, as soon as a place for their reception was provided. Signed: P. Travers, J. Coman, M. Officers. Weekly Report, on June 1849. Total No. of cases Received during the Week 50 Total Deaths 246 Signed: P. Travers, J. Coman. The Board of Guardians ordered that since the cholera numbers at Shandon had decreased that the number of nurses be reduced to 14. Weekly Report, on 15 June 1849 Total Admitted since Commenced 553 A report of Mr. Denis Phelan, Poor Law Inspector, who visited the Cholera hospital, stated that as the cholera had almost ceased in the town and vicinity, and as there were only 76 patients in hospital, staff numbers should be reduced. He also stated that as most of the convalescents were from the Workhouse, places should be made ready for them. He suggested that, 'the Medical Officers be instructed not to receive any patients except those as are obviously affected with cholera or with its pulmonary symptoms, leaving any that may labour under fever, dysentery, or other epidemic diseases to be treated in the Fever Hospital.' The Board decided to carry out these recommendations immediately. They therefore directed the Master:
From the foregoing report it is apparent that Dr. Anthony who was the apothecary was also the Out-Door Inspector. He was now created Medical Officer as well. On 28 June it was decided to discharge all nurse tenders and any persons in their place were selected from the paupers, each to receive not more than 2/6s. per week. Weekly Report, on 26 June 1849. No. found on taking the Roll 46 patients, and 5 nurses @ 5/- per week. Weekly Report, on 7 July 1849. Signed: Henry Anthony, M.O. It was reported that the three remaining cases could be removed. Dr. Christian was ordered to take charge of the Cholera hospital, and Mr. Anthony was ordered to continue as apothecary and Medical Inspector. Weekly Report, on 19 July 1849. Admitted 11 The Medical Officer had expected to be able to close the hospital, but was unable to do so due to the occurrence of a few new cases. Signed: T. Christian, H. Anthony, M.I. Weekly Report, on 26 July 1849. Remaining in Hospital 7 Signed: T. Christian, H. Anthony, M.I. Signed: T. Christian, H. Anthony. Weekly Report, on 9 August 1849. Remaining from the Previous Week 2 Signed: T. Christian, H. Anthony. Weekly Report, on 16 August 1849. Remaining from Previous Week 5 Died 11 Remaining from Previous Week 9 Died 8 Weekly Report, on 30 August 1849. Signed: Thos. Christian, M.O. Number of cases treated from the Dispensary for the Week 13 Signed: Henry Anthony, M.I. Weekly Report, on 6 September 1849. Admitted 12 Signed: T. Christian, H. Anthony. The Medical Officer reported that the mortality rate of the hospital, from 3 July to September, appeared to be 66%; admissions being 94, of those deaths being 64. Weekly Report, on 13 September 1849. Remaining from Previous Week 6* Died 7 *This figure does not tally with the report of the previous week. Weekly Report, on 20 September 1849. Weekly Report, on 27 September 1849. As the cholera had disappeared, the Medical Officers requested that the Shandon Cholera Hospital be closed, and the staff, including themselves be dismissed. Signed: T. Christian, M. Officer, H. Anthony, Medical Inspector. Total No. Admitted since Commencement 679 On 12 February 1852 the Medical Officer recommended the re-opening of the Shandon Cholera Hospital, for the reception of cases of measles and opthalmia. There was pressure on accommodation in the Fever Hospital. This recommendation was referred to the visiting committee for their consideration. On 19 February the hospital re-opened. Patrick Connell, late ward-master of the Albert and Boyle house, was appointed superintendent, at a salary of £1 a month and rations. On 18 February 34 patients were removed from the Infirmary to Shandon hospital. Four cases of English cholera appeared in the house on 19 August. Even though English cholera was not as serious as Asiatic cholera, it still accounted for the deaths of 3 of the 4 people affected. On 30 September 1852 Dr. Christian ordered the removal of the patients in Shandon hospital to the Workhouse, the surrender of the hospital, and the lodgement of a cheque for £20, i.e. the rate due up to 3 October 1852. This ended the association of the Dungarvan Union with Shandon hospital. |
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