THE LONDON HOSPITAL NEW BUILDINGS.
May 22nd, 1887.
The London Hospital has many and special claims on public sympathy and support. Its position, in Whitechapel, surrounded by poor and crowded parts of East London; its small endowments compared with some of the other great hospitals; the vast number of patients annually relieved, both in the house and as out-patients; and its being virtually a "free" hospital, nearly three-fourths of the in-patients being received without letter or recommendation; all these circumstances appeal to liberal charity. In 1887 there were 8863 in-patients admitted, of which 6019 were freely received, without letters of subscribers. There are children's wards where, during the same time, 1717 were admitted; and Hebrew wards, where 623 received treatment. The total number of out-patients, treated either at the Hospital or at their homes, was nearly 100,000, including relief given in less serious and protracted illness. The income from endowments is little more than £15,000 a year, while the annual cost of maintenance is £50,000. The Medical School is supported by the fees of pupils, but for the general maintenance of the Hospital appeal must be made to the public for voluntary subscriptions and contributions.
A Nursing Home, to accommodate 100 nurses, a new Library, and other buildings having been recently added, the Prince and Princess of Wales were invited by the Governors, of whom the Duke of Cambridge is President, to inaugurate these additions to the institution. This was done, with suitable ceremony, on Saturday, the 21st of May, 1887. The Princesses Louise and Victoria of Wales, and the Crown Prince of Denmark were also present. The Governors and officers of the Hospital, with many distinguished persons, were in attendance, and great interest was shown by the crowds of people who thronged the streets on the occasion. The Royal party visited several of the wards, where the Princess of Wales showed kindly sympathy with many of the poor patients, especially in the children's wards. On arriving at the dining-hall of the nurses and sisters, who wear a plain and tasteful uniform, a hymn was sung, and a prayer offered by the Bishop of Bedford, after which, at the request of the Duke of Cambridge, the Princess of Wales formally declared the Nursing Home to be open.
The Medical College was then visited, and in the new library an address was presented by the President. The Prince of Wales, in acknowledging the address, said:—
"Your Royal Highness and Gentlemen,—The Princess and myself thank you for your address, and can assure you that we have much pleasure in coming here to-day to open the nursing home and college buildings of this important institution. The Hospital, which is the largest civil one in the United Kingdom, which contains 800 beds and which supplied medical and surgical assistance to 80,000 out-patients last year, may be regarded almost in the light of a national institution, as every description of case, excepting those of an infectious or incurable nature, is admitted. Such a Hospital cannot fail to be of inestimable value to the population of over a million persons residing in its vicinity, and especially to the labouring class, who are so extensively employed in connection with the railways and docks. But it has other and additional claims upon public sympathy and assistance. First, although its annual expenditure amounts to nearly £50,000, it is mainly supported by voluntary contributions; secondly, it has undertaken the difficult task of improving the system of nursing and of providing a higher class of nurses, with better discipline and superior training and instruction. To effect this object house accommodation was essential, and instead of closely-packed dormitories the new home provides separate rooms, a cheerful dining hall, and other advantages, all tending to brighten the lives of the inmates, while reserving for them the necessary quiet and rest.
"The new library and buildings which I am now about to declare open belong to a college over 100 years old. It was the first in the Metropolis in which a complete curriculum was established, and being attached to the largest Hospital in the country, and situated in the midst of the most populous artisan neighbourhood in London, it offers greater facilities for the acquirement of medical and surgical knowledge than perhaps any other college of a scientific character. I understand that among the important duties which the students perform are those of dressers, clinical clerks, maternity pupils, and other assistants, and from their number the resident officers are selected after having become qualified practitioners. The Princess and I most earnestly pray that every blessing may attend the labours and efforts of all those who are working among the sufferers in the Hospital, and you may rest assured that we shall always take the warmest interest in the welfare and prosperity of your noble institution."
Dr. Langdon Down, the senior physician, in thanking His Royal Highness on behalf of his colleagues and the students, explained that the new buildings did not diminish the funds of the Hospital, as a rent was paid for them by the teaching staff of the medical school. The Prince then declared the new buildings and the library to be open. The Duke of Cambridge then called for three cheers for the Prince and Princess, which were given with great heartiness, followed by "one cheer more for the Duke," who has always been a zealous and generous friend of the London Hospital.