Colchester's Caring Past contains many memories of the medical and social history of the town.
It is very pleasant to find that something is much better than expected. This is absolutely true of the Essex and Colchester Hospital, or from 1907 the Essex County Hospital, Colchester. By the standards of the day it was probably very clean; it was decorated annually albeit with whitewash. The mortality was low about 5% partly caused by not admitting those with mortal disease or those for whom they could do nothing.
John Penfold
At a special meeting in May 1825 it was decided to build the Portico which still graces the front of the hospital. This fine Regency Portico in classical style with double pilasters was built by William Lay, brother of John Lay and a local builder.
Throughout the 19th Century the rules concerning the Matron and her duties were really the same as those applying to the first Matron, Mrs Barron. She was the housekeeper, kept a check on the household goods, furniture and provisions. She had to be a very frugal person and was called to task if she was not.
From 1880 to 1885 there was a change in hospital policy on milk. Beer was phased out as the patients’ drink and milk introduced. At that time beer was a much safer drink as the milk was untreated and carried many disease-causing germs. This change in policy was greatly stimulated by the increasing strength of the Temperance Movement.
There was only one Porter at the hospital until 1881 when a second or Under Porter was appointed. He had to be at least 18, lived and boarded out, with a wage of 16/- per week
In May 1884, after the worst earthquake in Britain which was centred on Colchester, the Committee in their minutes desired “to record their thankfulness they has not received more serious injury by the earthquake”. There were however “large cracks” in the plaster in several wards.
In 1885 the hospital set up a Benevolent Fund, the finances of which were quite separate from the general accounts. People could subscribe and donate to it. The money was used to help indigent patients rather as the Hospital Almoner and the Social Services helped in later times, for example by paying rail fares, or giving money for food to undernourished discharged patients.
The most interesting development in 1900 was the introduction of an X Ray apparatus. It was donated by Mrs W.W.Hawkins of Alresford Hall, the cost being £70. It was very kindly operated gratuitously by the Colchester chemist, Mr J.C. Shenstone.
Information from John Penfold's book
It is very pleasant to find that something is much better than expected. This is absolutely true of the Essex and Colchester Hospital, or from 1907 the Essex County Hospital, Colchester. By the standards of the day it was probably very clean; it was decorated annually albeit with whitewash. The mortality was low about 5% partly caused by not admitting those with mortal disease or those for whom they could do nothing.
John Penfold
At a special meeting in May 1825 it was decided to build the Portico which still graces the front of the hospital. This fine Regency Portico in classical style with double pilasters was built by William Lay, brother of John Lay and a local builder.
Throughout the 19th Century the rules concerning the Matron and her duties were really the same as those applying to the first Matron, Mrs Barron. She was the housekeeper, kept a check on the household goods, furniture and provisions. She had to be a very frugal person and was called to task if she was not.
From 1880 to 1885 there was a change in hospital policy on milk. Beer was phased out as the patients’ drink and milk introduced. At that time beer was a much safer drink as the milk was untreated and carried many disease-causing germs. This change in policy was greatly stimulated by the increasing strength of the Temperance Movement.
There was only one Porter at the hospital until 1881 when a second or Under Porter was appointed. He had to be at least 18, lived and boarded out, with a wage of 16/- per week
In May 1884, after the worst earthquake in Britain which was centred on Colchester, the Committee in their minutes desired “to record their thankfulness they has not received more serious injury by the earthquake”. There were however “large cracks” in the plaster in several wards.
In 1885 the hospital set up a Benevolent Fund, the finances of which were quite separate from the general accounts. People could subscribe and donate to it. The money was used to help indigent patients rather as the Hospital Almoner and the Social Services helped in later times, for example by paying rail fares, or giving money for food to undernourished discharged patients.
The most interesting development in 1900 was the introduction of an X Ray apparatus. It was donated by Mrs W.W.Hawkins of Alresford Hall, the cost being £70. It was very kindly operated gratuitously by the Colchester chemist, Mr J.C. Shenstone.
Information from John Penfold's book