THE NEW HOSPITAL.

Globe, Volume I, Issue 85, 8 September 1874, Page 3

THE NEW HOSPITAL.

The first wing of the new Hospital, consisting of two large wards (male and female) and offices, and erected at the western side of the present Hospital, is now completed ; the male ward having been brought into requisition for patients on Saturday last. Commencing at the outside, a corridor 150 ft in length and 10ft wide, runs along the front of the whole building, connecting the two, wards. It is amply lighted by a number of windows, and will form an agreeable promenade in all weathers, the view from the front overlooking the Domain gardens, and at the back, the courtyard, which it is intended to lay down in grass. Garden seats are also placed in it at intervals for the accommodation of the patients, and it is also contemplated to light the corridor with gas. The wards are 68ft x 25ft, and 22ft high, containing space for twenty beds. The windows, which reach nearly to the ceiling, are so constructed at the top as to act as ventilators, and ventilators are also placed in the ceilings ; and it is intended to convert the centre ones into gas sunlights. The upper portions of the windows are frosted, and the lower parts fitted with Venetian blinds. Each ward is heated by two brick stoves of the Cairn pattern, erected on a stone basement, and having four open fireplaces. The smoke is led under the floor by flues to a main stack, and the air ascending from the basement is heated by the flues before passing into the ward ; the temperature of which can be regulated by turning the handle of an iron plate. This design is altogether a new feature, and has been found to answer admirably. The hearths and fenders of the fireplaces are concrete, and the ashes, &c,, are let down through a shoot into a receptacle underneath. The offices at the northern end of each ward comprise a surgeon’s room, nurse’s room, ward scullery, and linen closet ; and at the other end, bath room, lavatory, and water-closet; the latter being on a patent principle, and supplied by Mr John Anderson, of Anderson’s foundry. A staircase leads up from the front portion of the building to a convalescent ward 19 feet by 14 feet in size. All the interior walls of the building are finished with Parian cement, which can be easily cleaned with a wet sponge. The walls of the wards are composed of concrete for 5 feet above the floor, which will protect the patients from draught, keep the wards cool, and also render them additionally fire proof. The architecture of the building is Elizabethan, and, as said before, presents a very handsome appearance. The work has been faithfully

and substantially carried out, and reflects the highest credit on all concerned. Mr W. Mountfort was the architect, Mr D. Reece contractor, and Mr Taafe clerk of the works. Very great improvements have also lately been made in the Hospital grounds, by prison labour. The roadway in front of the old building has been extended along the new one, and gravelled ; fences removed, beds laid out, &c. ; and further improvements are being carried on.

His Honor the Superintendent inspected the new building and grounds on Saturday last.