The Hospital, March 12, 1838. " ilutstufl ittivvov, Ziit ffcfosjHtal"Being the Nursing Section of "The Hospital." for this Section of "The Hospital" should be addressed to the The Hospital, 28 k [Contributions " " Editor, 29, Southampton Street, Strand^ London, W.O., and should have the word Nursing plainly written in left-hand top corner of the enrelopej
mews from tbe IRursing TPHorlfc. THE LADIES' COMMITTEE OF THE ORTHOP/EDIC. much-needed reBt, free from anxiety or responsibility The Orthopaedic Hospital ia most fortunate in its for sometime to come. Her self-sacrificing and arduous- Ladies' Committee. The Duchess of Marlborough is work on behalf of the Nurses' Co-operation has so tried? and often visits it, and a good deal of president, spends her strength as to make this most necessary. time chatting with the small patients, besides taking THE MEDICO-PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION. an active part in the work. She is a favourite Some of our readers will doubtless like to be re~ with everyone, nurses and patients alike. Another member who has rendered the hospital good service minded that the next examination of the Medico- the of and is Mrs. Cooper. She designed a neat little calendar Psychological Society for nursing attending on held on 1898; for the purse, adorned on the front cover by a photo the insane will be Monday, May 2nd, of a little fellow suffering from spinal disease. April 4th will be the last day upon which, according to- She had a thousand printed at her own expense and the rules, candidates can enter their names for it. They distributed, securing as a result several subscribers. should obtain a schedule from the Registrar (Dr. The photo is the more interesting as it was taken by a Spence), Burwood Asylum, near Lichfield, to be filled and returned at sister who has been at the hospital for ten years, and up, signed, least four weeks before the date for the subject made a complete recovery. The Ladies' fixed the examination. Committee have also been generous in the matter of IRISH WORKHOUSE ASSOCIATION. lockers, and have presented six handsome ones of oak. The Irish Workhouse Association has had a busy Three others have been bought by the subscriptions and successful year, and has an energetic programme gathered amongst the out-patients by the matron. in hand for the ensuing one. Lord Monteagle presided Much has been accomplished in every way during the at the annual meeting which was held at the Mansion last seems ten years, and yet everyone desirous of House, Dublin, and stated that the association num- continued improvements. bered 176 members, and had a balance in hand. His POUND DAY AT THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, Lordship said the Local Government Board order for BRIGHTON. the abolition of pauper nurs es in the workhouses was The birthday of the Princess of Wales has been set the result of the representations of the association, and apart by the committee of the Children's Hospital at added that although the order had been in operation for Brighton as Pound-day. Pound-day is by no means a five months its results were as yet small, and some time new institution in some charities, but it is a popular must elapse before the authorities could adjust them- one. The idea is that friends each send a pound of selves to the new state of things. He recommended some useful article, or the money to buy it with. In reformers to direct their energies to two points, namely, the case of this hospital the result of the first pound- the inspection of the children by the State, and improv- day was ?33 in money and ?26 in kind. As the ing the local supervision of the unions. As yet there- Princess of Wales is a great favourite, this method are no lady inspectors of children as in England, and of her is sure to result in one or keeping birthday the local supervision is very defective. A public meet- more for as handsome gifts, such, instance, that of ing was afterwards held, at which the Lord Mayor took Mr. Charles Chetwode who sent a of Baily, donation the chair. Lord Monteagle, in asking him to preside>- ?100 to name a cot in honour of HR, Highness' visit remarked that they might congratulate themselves on on March 1896. We commend the idea as 10th, likely having brought the Government to the point of paying to prove attractive. Why should not loyal admirers half the workhouse nurses' salaries. The Lord Mayor of the house have reigning the opportunity of paying reviewed the working of the Poor Law in Ireland a graceful compliment to its individual members ; and, since its establishment, and condemned it. He wishes- one that is sure to be whilst at moreover, appreciated, to see children brought up without the stigma that same time their local charities P the encouraging attaches to the pauper, and removed from the demora- MISS PHILLIPA HICKS. lising influence exercised by paupers over those that We regret that Miss Phillipa Hicks has found it de- associate with them. He desires that old couples should sirable to relinquish her charming house at West be allowed to live together, and administer to each- Ilsley, near Newbury, which she has carried on as a other's comforts, and to see the strong taught to earn for invalids since her home retirement from her post an honest living. These are excellent aims to work forr at the Nurses' Co-operation. Miss Hicks finds that the and although the results must fall short, owing to the is distance from London rather too great for her pur- unpromising material to be dealt with, yet much may pose. In other respects the Home was admirably be done to minimise the evils. for the to which she devoted and the adapted purpose it, HOMES FOR WORKING GIRLS IN LONDON. and arrangements were appointments delightfully Prevention is always better than cure, therefore carried out for the comfort of the inmates, which those the appeal now being made to enlarge Garfield House, who know Miss Hicks' abilities will understand would Fitzroy Square, by 50 beds in order to afford extra be the case. We that Miss Hicks will take a hope accommodation for respectable young girls earning 208 ?THE HOSPITAL" NURSING MIRROR. March^isgs: their living in London, should meet with sympathetic Pfeiffer of ?3,000. The nurse3 are looking forward to are now homes for response. There nine working girls, the ceremony of stone-laying in a few weeks' time. and everyone under 21 years of age and bearing a good AMERICAN "RED CROSS NURSES IN CUBA. character is eligible. The work has none of the excite- ment of so- called rescue work, but it is even more valu- Miss Clara Barton, the well-known President able. Certainly it is not a small thing to have provided the Red Cross Nursing Society of America, has been happy homes for 26,000 young girls, which this society commissioned by the Christian Herald to proceed to has done, probably ensuring to a large proportion that Cuba and investigate the sufferings caused by the happiness which is due to right living. Once a woman rebellion. Miss Barton is guaranteed the sum of crosses the rubicon she becomes an outcast. Clothe 10,000 dols. a month for expenses, so that she will be the fallen with the largest garb of charity and pity, win able to direct the relief organisation with a free hand. back her feet to the of make erring paths righteousness, THE NURSES' EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE. her days bright with human kindness, yet can she never The nurses of the Great Yarmouth Workhouse have forget the inward shame. Let all who love women, sent a letter to the local press expressing their sense of therefore, strengthen the hands of those who labour the kindness they have experienced at the hands of Dr. that girls may so live that in the days to come they may Collier, and their regret that their action in asking the have nothing to forget. Eight hundred pounds for 50 Guardians to defray their medical expenses should have girls to have a home is the plea set forth. Subscrip- been the cause of him to a attack. tions may be sent to Mr. John Shrimpton, 3, Victoria exposing groundless Some Dr. Collier offered to attend the Street, Westminster. years ago nursing staff without charge, an offer refused by the board. LIFE PENSIONS FOR THE NURSES OF THE The action of the Guardians in this matter appears arbi- ROYAL BERKSHIRE HOSPITAL. trary; they refuse free medical attendance for their It was announced at the annual meeting of the Royal nursing Btaff, and yet expect their nurses to pay their Berkshire that had been made to Hospital arrangements doctor's bills. induce fully-qualified nurses to join the Royal National MIDLAND Pension Fund. This step is the result of careful NURSING IN THE COUNTIES. of the inquiry. The hospital has for several years had a The annual general meeting Birmingham and private scheme of its own to provide nurses with a Midland Counties Training Institution for Nurses dis- definite sum on retirement, which has been useful in closed a prosperous state of affairs. The staff, consist- of 73 trained nurse? and 11 many ways; but the committee appointed to inquire into ing probationers, have been the matter,'consider that, as the Royal National Pension fully employed excepting for a short time in the Fund is established on firm financial basis, and holds autumn, and the nurses themselves have been most out advantages superior to those possible to any private popular. The funds are in a flourishing condition, and scheme, their nurses should be encouraged to become bonuses both from the earnings of 1896 and from a been policy-holders for pensions in it. There is an enormous special Jubilee gift have distributed amongst the staff. satisfaction in the thought that, come weal or woe, after SHORT ITEMS. the age of 55 or 60, as the case may be, the toiler may, to speak figuratively, spend the sabbath of her days About ?200 has been raised for the newly-formed beside the well she has digged, and eat of the fruit of Doncaster District Nursing Association. At a meeting her own vine. Unfortunately, there are many nurses held not long ago the new officers were appointed, and who forget that the well has to be dug and the vine Mrs. Huntriss, who has taken the initiative in the planted in the heyday of youth and strength; or, in movement, was appointed secretary.?The interest on other words, that premiums must be paid now if age is the Diamond Jubilee Fund, amounting to ?1,260, will to be blessed with independence and plenty. This is be handed over by the Town Council of Greenock to the the second commission within the last few months in- Medical Aid and Sick Nursing Society for the support quiring into the best and safest agency for securing of a Queen's Nurse.?A rise all round has been granted adequate support to the nurse in age that has em- to the officials of Keighley Workhouse. Charge phasised the fact that, taking all things into considera- nurses now receiving ?25 will have ?28, with a yearly tion, no other society offers the benefits equal to those increment of ?1 per annum until ?32 is reached.?The assured by the Royal National Pension Fund. rules for the nurses at Coventry Workhouse decree that the nurses are to go on duty at eight a.m. and ADDITIONS TO THE NEW HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN. day to remain until nine p.m., and all light9 are to be out in The nurses' quarters at the New for Hospital "Women, the bed-rooms at half-past ten. Fourteen hours are to Euston Road, are very comfortable. Some of the bed- be allowed for recreation, with half a leave one weekly day's rooms contain bed, but others two or a few cases (in once a fortnight. The date to be fixed by the superin- only) three. Even these rooms, are divided however, tendent nurse, having a due consideration to the state into cubicles by curtains, so that there is not much to of the weather.?Mr. George Bolton has gived ?200? find fault with. Still it is certain that a bedroom of the balance of the debt?to the Kingston Nurses' one's own is a great boon, to a dweller especially Home. The committee have had considerable anxiety in hospitals, where the sleeping apartment offers the last year on account of the grave illness of the the only chance of solitude. The authorities of this superintendent, Miss Scott, who eventually was obb'ged hospital are therefore ;making preparations for gladly to resign. She was succeeded by Miss Penrose, who is building a new detached nurses' home, which will give fulfilling the duties satisfactorily.?The University of each nurse a room to herself. have been enabled They Buda Pesth has conferred the degree of Doctor on the to do this a from the estate of Mr. and Mrs. by bequest Queen of Roumania. MaroflXl898. " THE HOSPITAL" NURSING MIRROR. 209 lectures to Surgical IRurses. By H. A. Latimer, M.D. (Dunelm), M.R.C.S. of Eng., L.S.A. of London, Consulting Surgeon, Swansea Hospital; President of the Swansea Medical Society; Lecturer and Examiner of the St. John Ambulance Association, &o. XXVI.?CONCLUDING REMARKS ON THE TREAT- fact becomes of primary importance, for now convulsions MENT AND CONSEQUENCES OP BED SORES- become the characteristic manifestations of disturbed CONVULSIONS. function and are veritable signs by which we can label and I will not assume that formidable bed sores will form any distinguish one disease from another. To make my meaning under but will often have in patients your charge, you people plain, I will adduce as an illustration of a convulsive move- under care who will have been nursed placed your badly ment, complicating a general disturbance in the body, the see them and in whom these ulcers will have before you every-day occurrence of rigors, when suppurative fever is You must what to do in such an formed. know, then, affecting the system. Here, owing probably to the circu- If sores are covered with these must be a event. the sloughs lation of poisoned blood, which acts as an irritant on the before a and surface can be an removed healthy healing nervous centres, invalid is quite suddenly seized with an obtained. The diseased spot must be at once isolated and attack of violent shivering, so violent that his whole body air or relieved of pressure by pillows, carefully arranged shakes to and fro; and in young childhood the same irritant cushions, and some stimulating poultice or preparation must is likely to produce still more pronounced effects, not stop- to the sore. A be applied directly poultice formed of equal ping at the shivering stage, but actually setting up fits with quantities of masbed carrots and bread crumbs is an excellent loss of consciousness. But in these and in other such cases a application, or simple linseed meal one may ba used. What- due to irritation of the nerve oentres by depraved blood, the ever kind of is on the sore it lie on poultice put should only its convulsions are secondary in origin to disease elsewhere than surface, and whenever it is the sore should be open changed in the nervous system; whereas I shall in my next proceed with an lotion of some sort or douched antiseptic other?say, to describe them as arising from disease which affects that 1 in 40 carbolic or a lotion made as lotion, by dissolving system from the start, and thus renders them a distinctive in hot water as the latter can much boracic acid take up. and distinguishing feature in the catalogue of diseases. as the have the now raw As soon sloughs separated, surface The terms "convulsion" and "fit" are interchangeable is to be treated and ointments or a " by stimulating healing ones, and I see that dictionary definition of them is a lotions. An excellent ointment for this is made of purpose violent and involuntary spasmodic contraction of the mus- of carbolic half an ounce of resin eight grains acid, ointment, cular parts of an animal body." They vary in degree and an ounce of vaseline. As the and half granulations approach severity, and at different times, in the same subject, as I the surface and show that the ulcer be healed may over, shall have to tell you when speaking of their occurrence in zinc ointment is to be and then the ordinary applied, process epilepsy: and they may be strictly localised to one set of of cure will be quickly completed. But as it will be very muscles, or they may affect the body at large. The actual seldom that you will be without the of a medical guidance movements of muscles concerned in the spasms, or convul- man when bad cases of bed sore have to be I treated, may sions, which you may be watching, are secondary to an irri- that I have now said as much as is on assume necessary this tation conveyed to them by the nerves which bring currents of and so this lecture to a con- part my subject, may bring of nerve force to them; they are responses to those irrita- after a few words on the clusion saying consequences which tions, just as the explosion of gunpowder is a response to the ensue from the formation of bed sores. You must not simply agent with which you have fired it. In both cases matter look these as situated in upon painful spots, positions which is lying inert, and assumes a state of activity on receipt of care on to shield from require great your part further exten- its appropriate irritant. Pathologists are apt to use this sources of and " sion, and as pain distress to their un- simile when they speak of convulsions being due to explo- are all fortunate possessors ; they this, and more. Their sions of nerve force." When the muscular movements are does not and end at mischief begin the spots where slight in amount it is customary to speak of them as for have " they are situated, they far-reaching results in the "spasms," when more intense as convulsions," but these at You must them as so system large. regard many terms are indicative only of degree and extent of move- wounds, the medium of which in- suppurating through ments, and in no way should be taken to indicate a different access to fective mioro-organisms may gain the blood. mode of irritation of muscles. Aa far as the movements true must ever be Thus their importance borne in mind by of the muscles themselves are concerned the words are and I would have never in you; you weary searching for, used in a peculiar sense, the fact of their being and their in all cases where there is the anticipating advent, affected at all in this way being spoken of in a general sense least to their occurrence. I almost fear that I liability as convulsions, whilst the word spasm is applied to the very with the in re- dealt too leniently subject my introductory movements of the muscles themselves, with a qualifying about fori would not have it said that too marks it, by any word as a prefix to denote the method of movement in them. view of a nurse's duties I have implied that she considerate When muscles are in receipt of violent irritation they con- held blameless if bedsores formed in a would ba patient tract, and they may either remain rigid and fixed in this un3er her There will always ba a disposition on the charge. shortened position, or may go through a series of sudden of doctors to blame nurses in such an event. As I have part contractions and relaxations, following quickly the one upon bed sores are in the majority of oases just said, great the other. When they remain contracted for a while the evidences of want of care or of skill on their part. All I " " public say they are affected by cramp ; when they con- mean meant then, and now, is to you against are protect unjust tract and relax alternately, they say the muscles accusations on thiB score. I must not be taken to mean that twitching. Under like conditions pathologists tell you that are ever to regard these ulcers from any other of " " " " you point they are affected by tonic or clonic spasm. view than the one which looks upon them as prejudicial alike to the welfare of the patient, and to the reputation of the nurs9. Wants ant> TOoriserg. of the affections of which I have been Many surgical Can anyone inform Nurse Jarvis of a home or institution into wlxich telling you in the preceding articles are complicated by con- it wGuld ba possible to get admission for a crippled boy, aged about is and he can dress and feed him- vulsive movements in the body, but it is in 13? His general health good, especially self, and is not of weak intellect; but, owing to neglect, has lost all diseases affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, that the powers of locomotion.?Hitcliin Workhouse, 210 "THE HOSPITAL" NURSING MIRROR.
antiseptics for IRurses. By a Medical Woman.
IV.?COMPOSITION AND USES OF SOME OF THE water, these forming the familiar 1 in 20 and 1 in 40 solu- MORE COMMON ANTISEPTICS. tions. The private nurse will probably be supplied with- Carbolic Acid. Calvert's carbolic acid No. 4, and will have to dilute it to Some of the most generally used antiseptics are obtained the required strength. The only preparations used in from coal tar, a substance which was used for preserving surgery are : (1) Carbolised oils, prepared by adding to olive wood long before it was so prepared as to give us such oil pure carbolic in the proportion of 1 in 5, 1 in 10, 1 in products as carbolic acid, creosote, creolin, izal, as well as and 1 in 20, but these have disadvantages, and hence car- ?arious fluids and patented powders. Coal tar and its bolised vaseline is substituted ; (2) carbolised gauze, which products have been in use as recognised antiseptics and is prepared by dipping fiae, unbleached, previously washed disinfectants for over eighty years, and hitherto, though muslin in a mixture of four parts each of common resin and other antiseptics have appeared on the scene, they have been paraffia and one part carbolic, the use of the resin being to- found wanting in some important respect, and carbolic has retain the volatile carbolic acid, and prevent it from being been reinstated as, though not perfect, the best antiseptic washed out too quickly by the discharges, whilst the paraffin on the whole. lessens the stickiness of the resin. After being thus pre- Coat tar and carbolic were used extensively on the pared the muslin is dried, and must be kept in air-tight Continent in the treatment of wounds long before they were boxes. (3) Carbolic wool is prepared by saturating absorbent bo in One of the earliest in employed this country. forms wool with carbolic acid to the extent of 5 per cent. tar was was as a which coal used paste, having the Carbolic soaps are practically valueless as antiseptics, and of 100 no following ingredients: Ordinary plaster commerce, nurses should rely on them, but should use ordinary soap- parts, and coal tar, 1 3 parts. The plaster was finely and carbolic lotion. powdered in a mortar, then the coal tar added, and, finally, Carbolic tooth powder is an excellent preparation for those enough pure olive oil to make it into a suitable paste. This who do not dislike the taste, but unfortunately the valuable preparation attracted much notice and discussion at the time, ingredient,jthe carbolic, volatilises long before the powder and as to uses were some a opinions its veiy varied, claiming is finished as rule. The only patent preparation of pure for it true antiseptic properties, others maintaining that it carbolic is Rademann's, which consists of carbolic and pure* was only a deodorant. Finally, a commission was appointed boric acid. to investigate the properties of all the substances which Creosote, Creolin, Izal. claimed to be antiseptics, including the above powder, and After carbolic or phenol has been obtained from coal-tar, " " that verdict was that, although a useful disinfectant for certain so-called waste products are left, and, lately,, many substances, it was not suitable for wounds ; it had a creosote, creosol, and creolin have been obtained from them. disagreeable odour, soiled linen, and required frequent Perfectly pure creosote usually looks like water, though- renewal. sometimes it may have a yellowish tinge. It has a strong Two in a French named a years later, 1860, surgeon, aromatic odour and burning taste. It is only very sparingly Lemaire, used coal tar, to which he added four parts of an soluble in water, but freely so in alcohol. It is said to be as- alcoholic tincture of saponine; this formed an emulsion, and good an antiseptic as crude carbolic acid, and not to have so " " was used to wash the wound, and then charpie soaked in caustic an effect on the skin. However, creosote is not used it was as a applied dressing. Lemaire considered this an in surgery, as its strength and composition are uncertain,, active antiseptic containing three antiseptics?carbolic acid, and carbolic is more satisfactory. It is very useful for alcohol, and saponine?which would arrest fermentation and inhalations and for decayed teeth. act as a powerful disinfectant. Lemaire used carbolic The other kindred preparation of gas-tar?creolin?is and acid experimentally, published his results in 1863, which purer than creosote. It is brownish-black syrupy fluid, with were that carbolic acid is more powerful than coal tar and a pleasant aromatic smell, and is like gas-tar both in this and is soluble in or readily water, alcohol, oil, but it is extremely in appearance. It is not soluble in water, but can be used and has a on volatile, caustic effect wounds. These last two as an emulsion of 1-3 per cent, strength for washing wounds- were properties regarded as decided disadvantages, but and soaking dressings ; but this emulsion must be prepared in Lemaire's discoveries excited greit interest his own freshly, just before each dressing, otherwise it becomes a country. In England, however, carbolic acid was only used dirty brown liquid if it stands long. Creolin is also prepared by one or two surgeons, who failed to obtain good results, as [an ointment in \-1 per cent, strength. It is one of the and consequently it fell into disuse, and it was reserved for most powerful of the non-poisonous antiseptics, in this respect- Sir Joseph Lister to set forth the true principles of antiseptic belonging to the same group as boracic, eucalyptus oil, and surgery, and in connection with this to revive the use of salicylic acid, and is perfectly free from irritating effects on. the wound. It is recommended some surgeons, carbolic acid. strongly " by and is considered Erichsen to be a most efficient and Carbolic acid or is obtained and by phenol by distilling tar, unirritating antiseptic." That most familiar disinfectant,. before it is a " purified it is dark oily fluid with a strong tarry Jeyes' Fluid," is a preparation of creosote with, resin and smell. In its purified state it is a white crystalline soda. Another preparation is a patent disinfectant known- substance, but exposure to air turns it a pink colour, hence as "Evrits' Fluid." The is obtained when coke i& it is familiar to most of us as a reddish crystalline substance. remaining preparation, Izal, carbonised in close stoves. It is a reddish-brown fluid,, It is not soluble in water, in the of 1 very only proportion which forms a milky emulsion with water. It has been of carbolic in 15 of water, but it is more soluble in an part employed as antiseptic in surgery, but has not come into glycerine in the proportion of one part carbolic to two of very general use. glycerine. Sir Joseph Lister speaks very highly of this anti- septic, which has one special advantage over others, since it NOTTINGHAM AND NOTTS NURSING will so mix with the fatty matter on the surface of the skin ASSOCIATION. that it will exercise its antiseptic properties even though the We hear from the lady superintendent of the above that the skin has not been previously cleansed with soap and water. subscriptions asked for are on behalf of the district nurses. The ordinary hospital solutions in general use are of the The private nursing staff is self-supporting, and their- strength of 1 part pure carbolic to 19 and 39 respectively of surplus earnings is spent entirely for their benefit. v|?a 12^1898. ?"THE HOSPITAL" NURSING MIRROR. 211
IRurstng in parts "Ibospitals. A.?LAY NURSES. told me that lie would prophesy a serious cost to the in the matter of y.?Wages and Pensions. municipality retirements. Henceforth nurse will claim serious illness or In contrast to almost all employments where tlie two every retiring any permanent debility, especially anything from sexes are at work side by side, the woman nurse in Paris resulting epidemics or contagion, as a malady contracted in receives the same pay and allowances as the man in the course of This will entail claims to many same grade. The number of the grades above proba- duty. increases of pensions not otherwise earned. Henceforth tioners is now five, viz.: (1) Assistant nurses (infirmiers after the double of two medical and staff nurses infirmiers guarantee examinations, infirmieres); (2) (premiers " the nurses will be able to we were hale and sound and premieres infirmieres); (3) assistants (suppleants and say when i we entered the service." Even where their suppleantes); (4) assistant superintendents and matrons by own folly or vice they contract debility, it will always (sous surveillants and sous surveillantes); and (5) super- be said to have been brought on by the work. intendents and matrons and surveillantes). (surveillants This opinion is, however, at variance with that of The wages of these five classes are as follows, as fixed another hospital director, who says that the nurses by the administrative circular of June 25th, 1897, in have no reason to take any disease from their work if accordance with the vote of the Council in Municipal they observe the rules and precautions ordered. Hence December, 1896. As will be seen, the first, second, and the administration will be in a position to deny all claims fifth grades are again subdivided into two classes, and for such future debility as a result of hospital work, the wages of the household staff are appended, being, The; recent augmentation of the nurses scale in fact, identical with that of the lowest of actual wage grade leads me to refer to the constant of these nurses:? expansion Lodged. Not lodged. expenses since the Paris Assistance Publique was & 1st class 884 francs. francs. on Superintendents matrons, 2,284 organised January 10th, 1849. The wages were 2nd ? 784 2,184 then left for the nursing staff as found in force (being Assistant ditto 1st ,, 684 1,984 those devised the in as ? 2nd ? 584 1,884 by previous organisation 1837) Assistants...... 488 1,588 follows: 1st class sub-employe3 (alias surveillantes or ? 444 Staff nurses superintendents), 300 francs a year ; 2nd class sub- Assistant nurses ...... 1st 423 ,, sous surveillantes or assistant ? 2nd ,, 393 employes (alias superin- 210 francs a men nurses not Porters and housemaids 1st ,, 423 tendents), year; (these ,, ? 2nd ,, 393 sub-divided), 180 francs a year; women nurses, 150 francs a 150 francs a Although the sexes are on an equality while in active year ; porters, year ; housemaids, 120 francs a Of course these were all service, for some inexplicable reason the pensions year. grades and accorded after retirement give the usual advantage to lodged fed. They also had occasionally special increases for and faithful services. the male recipient. The minimum qualification for a long In 1853 the scale was increased to 360 francs for pension is a service of 15 years, ending in one of the first-class and 250 francs for the second- three upper grades, exclusive of cases of serious dis- sub-employe3, the rest unaltered. ability incurred by reason of hospital work. The scale class, remaining In 1861 came another and increase, with a ?of pensions ranges as follows: For assistants, 230 francs larger The first-class a year for men and 195 francs for women after 15 years' complete reorganisation. sub-employc3 were 360 francs annum, with an annual service, with proportional addition for each year of given per increase of 26 francs to 500 francs a The second- service, to 550 francs for men and 480 francs for women year. class had 320 with an increase of 12 francs after 30 years of service; for assistant superintendents francs, to 380 The first-class assistants and matrons the pensions range from 265 francs for yearly francs. (supple- men and 215 francs for women after 15 years' service, ants), now first instituted, were given 252 francs, with a to 640 francs for men and 540 francs for women after an annual increase of 12 francs to 300 francs year. 30 years' service; for superintendents and matrons the The assistant nurses and servants were given 180 francs, with an annual increase of 18 francs to 252 francs a pensions range from 310 francs for men and 260 francs was first established for women after 15 years of service, to 750 francs for year. It this scale which equality sexes in all men and 650 francs for women after 30 years of service. of the grades. In 1875 the lowest was ordered to have the All the pensions are divided into pensions proper and grade ?extraordinary allowances, the figures given being the maximum wages after two years of service. united totals of the two. This so-called extraordinary Since the lay campaign began in 1878 there have been no less in allowance was something which came into practice than five increases of salary?in 1879, in and 1897. These about half a century ago, but has now become so ordi- 1882, 1894, the present scale in have nary and so inevitable as to make the division a mere changes previous to the 1897 one, already detailed, fiction. Although the employes in the offices of the been as follows:? 1879. 1SH0. iooa. i?. Grade ' Assistance Publique have five per cent, deducted from Francs. Frauos. Franoa. Francs...... 680 800 800 their pay for pensions, no such deduction is made in the Superintendents, 1st clas3 600 ... 2nd class 510 ... 540 ... 700 700 ?case of the staff. Ditto, nursing ...... Assistant ditto, 1st class ... 450 480 600 600 be hereafter an ...... There may possibly unforeseen in- Ditto, 2nd class 400 420 500 500 ...... 400 ... 425 crease of the expenses for pensions in a peculiar way. Assistants 330 360 300 ... 330 ... 360 ... 400 the chiefs are almost unanimous in Staff nurses Although hospital ...... 330 Assistant nurses, lsfc 270 300 380 the of the new rules grade commending working concerning Ditto, 2nd grade ...... 240 ... 270 ... 300 .., 350 engagements, nevertheless, one of the keenest of them Ditto, 3rd grade ...... 180 ... 240 abolished- 212 " THE HOSPITAL" NURSING MIRROR.
Under the new rule, certificated nnrses in lower There seems no prospect that there will be any more grades have 3 francs a month extra while waiting for permanency in the future in the wage scale than in promotion, and M. Peyron has decided that hence- the past. This very year the Municipal Council has- forth all promotions must be made from the certificated voted an increase of 120,000 francs for the nursing claimants. I have already given the remuneration of staff, which sum has not yet been allocated. The the probationers. The certificated nurses have also present grievance of the employes is inequality in the in the matter of frequent opportunities of going into the country for pension allowances, especially work in the under the Department of promotion, the laicisation in various towns making asylums the Seine not being counted as part of the term of Promotions are often made on the many openings. service. There is always a tangle between the Depart- recommendation of doctors who find a nurse especially ment of the Seine and the municipality of Paris, and it apt, but these promotions have to be subject to the is only natural that the nurses should be included in rules governing other promotions. the meshes. Edmund R. Speakman.
Met for tbe Sid; IRoom. FOUR TRAYS FOR INVALIDS. quarters of an inch thick from a nice fillet, trim them, and them on a We all know that when once influenzal patients begin to lard them with thin strips of fat bacon. Place tin and coyer with a buttered Cook convalesoe their recovery is greatly aided by the amount and buttered them paper. quality of the food they are able to take. As this malady is them in a hot oven for four minutes, then take off the paper till the- very prevalent just now, I will give a few hints that I hope and continue cooking for a few minutes longer will be useful in this respect. lardons are crisp; dish up on a hot-water dish, pour a nice' of butter that I am well aware of the difficulties there are in many piquant sauce round, put some small pieces households to get the invalid's meals dainty and appetising; have been mixed with a little lemon juice and chopped but the nurse can always control the tray, seeing that the parsley on the fillets, and serve very hot. cloth is spotleBs, the little cruets bright, cups and saucers Tea Tray. not too large, and putting a few flowers to give colour. Chocolate. or cream. When possible, serve the chief thing on a separate dish, and Sugar, milk, Cress sandwiches. avoid in the way of meat, vegetables, putting everything Tea rusks with apricot jam. sauce, and gravy on to one plate. Patients will often eat Use Vienna bread for the sandwiches, have the butter of more if they can help themselves, and there is not any chance the and shake all the water from the cress after of the second help getting cold if the meat and vegetables are freshest, it. Dish them on a dish each kept on a hot-Water dish and covered over. washing up paper, overlapping other like cutlets. The rusks are nice if The Breakfast Tray. very thinly spread with the jam. or tea. Coffee Supper Tray. tomato Sole, with puree. A French omelet. Brown bread and butter. Crisp toast. toast. Jaffa Crisp orange. Prune jelly. Water biscuits. Serve the tea or coffee in a small tea or coffee not a cup; pot, French Omelet.?Break two fresh eggs into a basin and if the boiled milk should be in a The latter, separate jag. mix them with two tablespoonfuls of cream or milk, add a toast can be in a small rack or cut in and put sippets piled little pepper,salt, and chopped parsley, that has been chopped on a Do not the unless to if plate. peel oranges requested ; a very finely, then washed and wrung dry in the corner of not very ill, often like to do it for themselves. To patients clean cloth, melt one ounce of butter in a small omelet pan, cook the sole, first wash it in salted water, trim off the and when it is hot pour in the mixture. Stir it about with fins and head, then wipe it with a clean cloth, place it on a a wooden spoon. When it begins to set form it into half- buttered tin and sprinkle with a tablespoonful of lemon moon shape ; cook it for a minute or two longer till it is juice, a little salt and pepper, cover it with a buttered brown underneath, but not hard ; loosen the sides with a. paper, and cook it in a moderate oven for ten or fifteen knife, and turn it over on to a warm dish, and serve at once. minutes according to size. When white and firm dish it up, Prune Jelly.?Cook a pcund of the best prunes till they and pour the following sauce round it: Cut up two tomatoes are quite soft, strain them and save the liquor. Take out the- and cook them with half an ounce of butter, a little pepper stones of the fruit and rub it through a wire sieve. Make and salt, and a of castor sugar; rub it a pinch through the liquor warm and melt in it four or five sheets of leaf ?trainer or sieve, make it quite hot again, and use as directed. gelatine and three ounces of lump sugar. Strain this on to Dinner Tray. the pulp that has been passed through the sieve, mix well Bouillon. together, then put it into some fancy mould ; when set dip the Fillets of beef. mould in warm water, and turn out the jelly on to a glass' Potato ribbons. French beans. dish. Whipped cream or plain custard round is a great Compote of rhubarb. improvement. Sponge fingers. Serve the bouillon in a small oup, with a lid to it; the fillets ?eatb tn ?ur IRanfts. on a hot water dish with a nice gravy round them; the We to have to French beans and potatoes, if possible, in a vegetable dish regret record the death of Nurse Emily Dunn, a very nurse at the- with two divisions. Remove everything belonging to this Mary promising probationer Vxctoria Northwich. After six days' illness, she course before the sweet. Instead of a slice of Infirmary, serving succumbed to an attack of pleuro-pneumonia. Miss Dunn> bread a nice dinner often liked. As to light roll is beverage, was a native of Church Stretton, in Shropshire. Boda water or a lemon squash are general favourites. Milk is not with an meal like the necessary ordinary above; it is "THE HOSPITAL" CONVALESCENT FUND. too heavy. We have much pleasure in acknowledging the receipt Fillets of Beef.?Cut two or three slices about three- 2s. 6d. from Nurse Dinwoodie for the above. *?m. "THE HOSPITAL" NURSING MIRROR. 213
fflMss flDar? IRtngele? at tbe 1Ro?a( 36iitlsb IRurses' association. The Royal British Nurses' Association is to be congratu- arranged for them. The Germans have their trained nurses' and lated on haying secured Miss KiDgsley, the famous African the French trained orderlies, the Portuguese their explorer, to lecture on the 8th inst. The next time they sisters of mercy. The reason that the English are behind- hand is that the colonies cannot afford the arrange such a treat for their members it would only be kind heavy expenses which if they made it a public affair. Mrs. Dacre Craven, who had trained nursing entails. This ought surely to be borne the Two of left a sick bed to be present, took the chair, and introduced by Imperial Exchequer. staffs nurses would be on one at the lecturer in a few words. The lecture was illustrated by required?one duty and home, lantern slides. and a few to spare. Plenty of holiday is necessary. is Miss Kingsley began by giving her views on how nursing It not desirable that the death-rate for nurses should be as should be organised on the West Coast of Afrioa, as, she said, high as it is for Government officers or for traders, which is cent, in some good intentions did not necessarily lead to success, and her 35 per places, 52 per cent, in others, and 75 cent, in another. women experience might be useful. She thinks that, taking all per White show greater im- to fever than white men. This is not things into consideration, a staff of hospital ships munity because th& women live a more for the lying off the ;coast, with branch hospitals on shore, guarded life, bush-exploring and life is healthier than the rabbit-in-a-hutch each officered with trained nurses and orderlies, the exposed existence which are condemned to. most practical way in which to deal with the nursing ques- many Europeans Miss has a admiration for some of the tion of the region. Of course, she remarked, there are Kingsley great white women in Africa. She a difficulties; there is, for instance, bilge water. This is a working gave graphic of at a Roman Catholic topic of fascinating interest to people who understand the description turning up Mission and the Mother in the midst of her question. It is certainly the prince of smells. Once on a finding dispensary work. " Just hold ,y vessel she perceived a decidedly objectionable smell, and on his legs whilst I scrape his wounds was her an mentioning it she received for reply, "lb is only our bilge." greeting, order which she promptly obeyed, and rendered what she In the it was discovered that an in an help could until the work was finished. morning elephant " " advanced state of decomposition had somehow or other got You'll do," said the Mother. Come and have a cup of Then she learnt that she was jammed against the side of the ship. The smell was so tea." supposed to have been the Danish assistant that had been for the last- awful when the carcase was being cleared away, that she expected months. This " Mother " with her door suggested that they should stir up the bilge and let eight always slept " in case should want her in the As a. the two smells annihilate one another. No," was the horri- open, anyone night. matter of someone did want her in the fied response; "you don't know our bilge when its back fact, always night. Ib was most eerie to watch the of white is up. It would stretch you in South Africa." patch moonlight Then the motion of the hulk has to be taken into considera- outside, and see a silent, dark figure steal through the as if its sole was to avoid tion. The [Atlantic Ocean is not rough unless there is a open door, purpose disturbing a the and which would come and crouch tornado blowing, but, as rule, there are tornadoes twice a lightest slumbers, on the floor at the and then vent to the most day. Not that one gets two tornadoes every day, but that bedside, gave howl. The on these occasions- is the average. The tornado certainly relieves the monotony blood-curdling programme the same : Find the matches the of life on board of a hospital ship; occasionally it drifts it was always (a) ; (6) light if the child was ill a dose out of No. 1 out to sea, but that is not alarming, as the people on shore lantern; (c) give if the mother were would Jt>e sure to send out to seek it, especially with white bottle; (d) (the3e figures generally mothers and their a dose out of No. 2 bottle patients and lady nurses on board. If the Atlantic is not babies), (there were two medicines for one for the adults rough unless there is a tornado blowing, neither is it smooth. only night work, one for the the to the Neverthelesss, all the disadvantages of a hospital ship do not and children); (e) pilot patients for them at the other side of the outweigh the cleanliness and healthiness to be obtained on quarters provided yard bed and that would where board. If cruisers and not hulks were used the advantage (/) return to hope they stay they left. These were varied one would be greater ; or, as an alternative, if the mail steamers had been proceedings night by a the and a scene of confusion had a hospital cabin with a trained nurse in charge (taking goat being visitor, great which the mission the nurses attached to the inland hospitals in turn) the ensued nearly wrecked buildings. benefits to all would be greater still. The second instance was even more exciting. She found an Miss next to some a steam launch fast on a sandbank with only Kingsley proceeded give practical sug- " in and he was ill and mixed up with the gestions. It is true that malarial fever repays nursing, but engineer charge, As his finder knew about the white men are scattered, and the transport bad, and a machinery." nothing machinery, and less about she had some difficulty in long hammock journey would certainly do the patient more men, disentangling the one from the other. Then she set to work to pole the harm than good in the majority of cases. So that the best boat free, an occupation that kept her fully employed for could touch the of the nursing arrangements only fringe hours, but which was varied by having periodically need. The principal requirement of the pioneers is good to disentangle her patient from the machinery, to cooking, which every explorer should understand. A man which he gravitated immediately her back was turned. After in her craft and gets a little out of sorts, and has a touch of fever: his appe- succeeding floating it the bank she to take tite rebels against tinned meat, and consequently he grows mooring alongside prepared her of herself at- weaker, and the fever gets a stronger grip. His appetite gets iwell-earned rest, feeling very proud ensconced her an worse, and the fever stronger, until he falls ill, and perhaps having patient under impromptu mosquito dies. There is plenty of fish in the African rivers, plenty of net she had rigged up for him. Her conceit was soon was invaded vegetables in the forest, and the native women are often crushed out of her, for at nightfall the launch and con- good cooks, but the white men do not come much in by legions of snakes. In a pandemonium of hurry Some contact with them. Then an explorer should take fusion she pushed out into the river once more. days Dr. Cross' "Hospital Notes for Expeditions," and learn later, when the settlement was reached, and her patient was he had told her something of the dangers of drugs. Amateur doctors are all recovering, he informed their hosts "that she at the river bank." Con- bad, but the male variety is worse than the female. The what would happen if moored ^ she could not iunderstand his lan- former may select a remedy by chance from a number of sidering, however, that it was to be drugs, but the latter is generally faithful to one patent guage, and thought him delirious, hardly his advice. medicine. As increasing numbers of Englishmen go to wondered she did not follow the author, Africa, it is a reproach that nursing is not systematically This lecture is to be published by " 214 THE HOSPITAL" NURSING MIRROR. MarcfiTS
jfor iReabtng to tbe Stcft. appointments. MATRONS. THE ROAD OF SORROWS. Levvisham Union Infirmary.?Miss Hetty E. A. Dixon Verses. was elect ed Matron of the Greenwich Infirmary on March 3rd. we mourn our cold heart and Well may dull, eye, Miss Dixon was trained at King's College Hospital, and That up the mount of Glorious Sacrifiue remained there from March, 1892, until February, 1896. we Bister at this in Sees such a little way ! Yet kneel nigh, She was appointed ward infirmary February, and was in 1896, to ba assistant Turn not away ; let prayer in gloom arise. 1896, promoted July, which she has held until the time. ?Keble. matron, pest present Chaknwood Forest Convalescent Home, Leicester- With all His sufferings fall in view shire ?Misa Eleanor Waldron was on March 2nd appointed Matron of this She was trained and afterwards And woes to us unknown, hospital bdcameward sister at Leicester Infirmary. Miss Waldron Forth to the task His Spirit flew ; was subsequently matron at Chesterfield. 'Twas love that urged Him on. ?Cowper. Then like a long-forgotten strain OMnor appointments* Comes sweeping o'er the heart forlorn, The Infirmary, Gressenhall Union, East Dereham, What sunshine hours had taught in vain, Norfolk.?Miss D >ui;bty was elected Suparintendent Nurte on the was Of Jesus suffering pain and scorn. January 11th, ot above infirmary. Stie trained at the Norfolk and Norwich where she remained As in all lowly hearts He suffers still, Hospital, five years She was afterwards at "While we ride and have the world at will. charge-nurse Chichester, triumphant and at the Fever Hospital, Southend-on-Sea, and nurse ?Keble. matron of the infirmary wing, St. Pancras Workhouse. Well I know thy trouble, Royal Infirmary, Windsor.?Miss Edith Dring, who was trained and afterwards staff nurse at St. George's Hos- 0 My servant true ; pital, LondoD, was appointed Charge Nurse on March 3rd. Thou art very weary, Miss Dring has been engaged in private nursing for the last 1 was weary, too ; two years. But that toil shall make Thee, Greenwich Union Infirmary.?The new Head Nurse on the 3rd inst. is Miss who was trained Some day all Mine own, appointed Bullock, at the She has held And the end of sorrow Infirmary, Salop. previously appoint- ments as nursi at the Hurne Bay School, the Infirmary, Shall be near My Throne. Salop, and Norwood College Hospital. Forster Green Hospital for Diseases of the Here I rest for ever Chkst, viewing Belfast.?Miss Mary Mackenzie has been appointed Sister in streams of Blood Mercy poured ; of the above. She was trained at the Hospital for Consump- Precious drops, my soul bedewing, tion and Diseases of the Chest, Brompton, and at St. Thomas's Plead and claim my peace with God. Hospital. Truly blessed is the station Nottingham Union Hospital.?Miss E. F. Dwight, who has hitherto had of the male wards of the above Low before his Cross to lie, charge hospital, has been elbcted Nurse Superintendent. She was Whilst I see Divine compassion trained under the Southern Workhouse Association. Baaming in His languid eye.
Could'st thou not Buffer then, one hour?or t wo ? ?note* anD <&uerfe0* If He Bhould call thee from thy cross to-day, Expenses of a Cottage Hospital. " What would be the of a of four It is finished I That hard cross of thine (194) yearly expem-es cottage hospital Saying, beds worked by two nurses on very ee jnomioal rates ? Oould it be dona From which thou prayest for deliverance,"? for ?270?? C. A. Cooper. The is too wide and co on to be settled in a few Thinkest thou not some of question plicated words. passion regret Burdett'f "Cottage contains all the information which " Hospitals" Would overcome thee? Thou would'st say, So soon? could be required by anyone who undertakes to found or to manage a Price 10s from the Scientifio 23 & Lst me back and suffer awhile cottage hospital. 6d., Press, 29, go yet Southampton Street, Strand. More patiently ! I have noc yet praised God." Crushed Malt. " Could tell me where whioh is recommended in a And He might answer to thee, Never more, (195) you kindly this, " reoipe for consumptive patients' diet, may be had ??Nurse Gage. All pain is done with ! ?H. Hamilton King. The malt for infusion oan be procured at any good family grocer's. Daily Nurses. Beadlnff. (196) Would three or four thoroughly trained nurses living1 to?eth these sufferings to compa-sionate them. They (197) Oan you kindly tell me of oheap convalescent home at Brighton P lam a nurse from a bid attaok of over for ever, and the sacred Manhood of Jesus can suffar recovering pleurisy.?J. 0. O. The London and Brighton Female Convalescent Home, Oresoent ?no more. But we recall them in order to deepen our hatred Houso, Marine Parade, Brighton. Apply Lady President, 2, Eaton Terms 8s. to 10s. reduced fares. ?of sin. Each bloodstained footprint was caused sin. A3 Place, Brighton. 6d.; railway Yours by appears a suitable ca?e for help from the Hojpital Convalescent Fond. we of all think, then, the manifold insults aud pains inflicted Too Old? ?on Jesus, we ought to learn to hate the sin which caused (198) I am 43 years of age, and have been nursing for some yenr*. I wish to bee ime a charge nurse, and cannot do so until I have a C jrtifi- to of our ?them, and bitterly repent own share in causing cate. Am I too old to train ??Eva. them. But wa dwell on His sufferings for yet another Of course you are not too old to train, but is it worth while beginning to do si at your age? If you think so, why not consul', yoar ow\ ?reason. are the and mririenca of us. They proof His love for matron ? Many matrons dislike probationers who are over SO, and who have served in other institutions. ?y the very redundance of His pains He calls to us. He BooJcs and Training. ?seems to claim our love the multi'uda of sorrows He has by M. T. must send name and address before we oan reply to her query. ?borne for us. As we watch that pale Form staggering along AJTSWEBS REQUESTED. or see it ouisrr<-tched ?beneath the heavy Cross, upon the Sheets. we see that lov^s us and calls us (199) I have charge of a ward containing 29 beds, four of my patients