London and Its Environs Described, vol. 4 (of 6) / Containing an Account of Whatever is Most Remarkable for Grandeur, Elegance, Curiosity or Use, in the City and in the Country Twenty Miles Round It

by Anonymous

This is a very neat brick building, contrived to be plain and yet elegant, without being very expensive; and it consisting of one extended front, without either wings or inner courts, the whole is seen at one view. To the middle door is an ascent by a flight of steps, and over this part extends a very large angular pediment, within which is a dial. Above the ground floor extend two series, of each twenty-three sash windows, their number and the length of the building giving it an air of dignity. The architect has properly considered the use for which it is designed, and has suited every thing to convenience. It is properly furnished, and fitted up with about 160 beds for the reception of the patients.

The society for carrying on this laudable undertaking, consists of a President, two Vice Presidents, and a Treasurer, annually elected out of the most considerable benefactors to this charity, and of such persons, who by giving a benefaction of thirty guineas or more at one time, become Governors for life; and those who subscribe five guineas or more a year, are Governors during such subscription.

A general court of Governors is held in the months of March, June, September, and December, to take the report of the committees, elect a house committee for the ensuing quarter, inspect accounts, and transact such other business as may be then laid before them. The anniversary feast of this charity is held between the first of February and the last day of April, when a printed account of the general state of the hospital, the number of patients received and discharged, and an abstract of the accounts for the year past, is laid before them.

A house committee of thirteen Governors is appointed at every general quarterly court, who at their first meeting elect a Chairman to preside for the first quarter; who meet at the hospital, on Tuesdays weekly, at eleven in the forenoon, to receive and dismiss patients, to order and inspect the provisions and furniture sent in, and such necessaries that may be wanting, and to examine and regulate the conduct of the servants and patients; and other matters which come before them, according to the constitution of this charity. All Governors that please to attend, have a vote at this committee, and their attendance is esteemed a favour.

A committee of accounts, consisting of twelve Governors, is appointed at the general quarterly court in June, for one year, who meet at the hospital once a quarter, to examine and audit tradesmens bills, which are paid by the Treasurer within a fortnight after. The accounts are open at all times for the inspection of the Governors,

A physical committee, consisting of all such Governors who practise physic, surgery, or pharmacy, or are conversant in the knowledge of drugs or medicines (excepting such as shall be directly or indirectly concerned in serving the hospital with such necessaries) are summoned by order of the Chairman of the house committee for the time being every first Thursday in the month, and have power to order and inspect the necessary drugs and medicines, and report their proceedings to the general quarterly court by their Chairman.

Two Governors are appointed visitors by the house committee, for one fortnight, to attend twice a week, or oftener, if they think proper, to inspect into the management and conduct of the house, during the interval of the meetings of the house committee.

A Clergyman of the church of England reads prayers every day, and preaches every Sunday, and reads prayers morning and afternoon; administers the sacrament regularly every month; and is ready to visit, pray by, and administer the sacrament at all times when required, to the patients in the wards.

Three Physicians attend alternately; two of the Surgeons daily, from eleven o’clock till one, without fee or reward, and give their advice and assistance to all such objects as come within those hours, whether recommended or accidental. A Surgeon extraordinary attends in consultation, in all dangerous cases. The Surgeons in waiting have an apprentice, or pupil, constantly in the house, to receive, and, if necessary, to call the Surgeon to such accidents as shall be brought in at any hour of the day or night.

An apothecary (with an assistant) constantly resides at the hospital, who compounds and dispenses all medicines used there, and solely attends the business thereof.