8

PROVINCIAL HOSPITAL REPORT
FOR 1867.

THE number of patients admitted into the Hawke's Bay Provincial Hospital, during the year 1867, was 56—44 of whom were males, 12 females. Of the former three were natives. The number of admissions in 1866 was 67; but of this number 29 were gunshot wounds—entirely exceptional cases. The ordinary cases have increased last year by at least one-third. 51 patients have been discharged; 9 have died. I subjoin a list of these:—

Ko Peni, a native, with gunshot wound of the thigh and pelvis, who had nearly recovered from his wounds, but sank under uncontrollable dysentery.
James Nowton, 47, an old settler in Hawke's Bay, who had been afflicted with hydatids of the liver for some years, accompanied with general dropsy. Paracentesis Abdominis was performed once on the patient, and 27 pints of water extracted, but he soon filled again, and, in spite of active treatment, he gradually succumbed to the disease.
Abraham Rice, 35, pulmonary consumption.
James Moody, 22, dysentery.
John O'Connor, 19, pulmonary consumption
Patrick Glacken, 27, ditto.
George Brown, 40, ditto.
Ellen Brown, 32, ditto, the wife of a military settler at the Wairoa.
William Paton, 16, suspected tubercular disease of lungs and brain.

It is apparent that pulmonary consumption has been the cause of nearly all the deaths. The cases have presented no feature of interest or novelty, and call for no remark.

There have been but few cases requiring comment amongst those admitted. One, shewing the apparent ease with which serious wounds amongst the natives heal without any untoward symptoms, may be mentioned. Wiremu Maihi, admitted July 19th, had been run into or came in collision with the shaft of a cart whilst on horseback, which resulted in a very large lacerated wound of the lower part of the abdomen and tortotum, completely exposing both testes and spermatic cord, together with the abdominal muscles. About 20 stitches were introduced, and, his friends wishing him removed, he was discharged on the 22nd. He has since got perfectly well.

The friendly native Honi, who has been under treatment for many months, is now able to walk tolerably well. Several pieces of necrosed bone have come away from his thigh.

Sergeant Fletcher, military settler, who was wounded at Petane on the 12th October, 1866, in the knee, is still under treatment, and the probe reveals necrosis of the inner condyle of the femur. His recovery will, I fear, be very tedious, although the knee has been got nearly straight, through forcible extension apparatus.

There remained, on the 31st December, 1866, in hospital 13. Admissions during the year 55; discharged 51; died 9; total treated 68; remaining Dec. 31st, 1867, 8.

A detail of the diseases is contained in the accompanying table.

RETURN of Patients treated in the Provincial Hospital during the year 1867.

REMARKS.

Regulations for the Provincial Hospital, Napier.

1. Before any patients are admitted into this Hospital, they must obtain a certificate from the Provincial Surgeon, stating that he considers the health of the individual demands immediate treatment. This certificate is to be countersigned by the Superintendent or by one of the visiting Justices.

2. The patients to be in future admitted free will be only such as are destitute and cannot obtain relief from their friends. Those who can afford to pay will be charged at the rate of 2s. per diem.

Accidents and cases of emergency are admissible at any time.

The Hospital has accommodation for 17 beds.

The Hospital staff consists of the Provincial Surgeon, a Master, and Matron.

THOMAS HITCHINGS,
Provincial Surgeon.
Napier, Jan. 14, 1868.

Printed, under the authority of the Government of the Province of Hawke's Bay, by JAMES WOOD, Printer for the time being to such Government.