Observations and appeal, January 1870

THE NORTH EASTERN HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN

This very useful institution was established in July 1867, as a dispensary for women and children. It was then located in Virginia-row, Bethnal Green, and was opened two days a week. The necessity for such an institution in the poor and populous district was speedily demonstrated by the number who availed themselves of its benefits, so that it soon became necessary to restrict it to children, and to seek more commodious premises.

Accordingly, early in 1868, the house, 125, Hackney-road, and near to Shoreditch, was taken, and soon afterwards the scope of the establishment was enlarged, and instead of a simple dispensary, it became a hospital, with wards for the reception of the more serious cases, and was, as it is at present, opened every day for the treatment of out-patients. The medical and surgical staff consists of four gentlemen, one being specially engaged for surgical cases, and the nurses - seem to perform their duties in the most cheerful and affectionate manner.

Some idea of the extent of good which this institution has effected, of the sufferings it has alleviated, and the help it has afforded to the afflicted poor, may be formed when we find from the last report, issued some months ago, that the number of attendances in the year 1868-9 were 21,852, an average of 420 per week, but that at the time of the report the average weekly attendances were 700.

The in-patient department consists of two wards, containing twelve beds which are often occupied,and are found to be insufficient to meet the demand, but the committee contemplate providing additional accommodation, and enlarging this department of the hospital as soon as the necessary support is forthcoming to warrant that step.

The income of the hospital is derived from subscriptions and donations and payments by patients, those not being provided with subscribers’ tickets paying two-pence each visit. According to the last balance sheet the subscriptions for the year amounted to £330, and the total income from all sources was about £540. At the present time the expenditure is at the rate of £l,000 per year, of which £600 has to be met by subscriptions and donations.

On Saturday evening last an entertainment was given to the patients who were able to attend, to the number of about 60. Miss Phillips, of Tottenham, to whose untiring exertions much of the success of the institution is due, arranged that the visitors should be regaled with tea and cake, which they thoroughly enjoyed, and afterwards a variety of shows and games were provided for their amusement. Some of the little party were taken from their beds to join in the festivities, the pleasure of attending which seemed to give strength and vigour for the occasion. Several lady visitors attended to assist in the arrangements, and the Rev. G. Dowty, of Shoreditch, a warm friend of the institution, was present, and took an active part in supplying the wants of these frail little creatures.

We must not conclude these few observations without a word of appeal to the benevolent public for help on behalf of this excellent charity. We notice that the subscribers are not numerous nor the subscriptions large, a considerable share of the support is given by the Society of Friends, but the charity assumes no sectarian character whatever. It is free to all, and the assistance of every class who possess the means, is earnestly entreated. The hospital is open for visitors daily, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. No infectious cases are admitted, and inspection is invited. Those friends who are desirous of rendering assistance may communicate with Miss Phillips, at the hospital, who will be most happy to furnish all requisite information, or with Miss Mary Towne, of 364, Kingsland-road.

Lest some of our friends might fear that an institution managed by ladies might be characterised more for its charity than for its business proceedings, we may mention that the working committee comprises five gentlemen of the highest respectability, and in whose judgment every confidence can be placed.