To the Editor of “The Mercury”
CORRESPONDENCE. NORTH EASTERN HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN.
Sir, ~A new building, providing 57 additional beds, and much other urgently needed accommodation, has recently been added to the North Eastern Hospital for Children, Hackney Road, Bethnal Green, at a cost (including freehold land) of £44,000, towards which a sum of £35,600 has so far been given.
Her Royal Highness Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, has graciously consented to declare this building open on the 13th July, and will then receive purses of £5 5s and upwards in aid of the funds, together with a list of other sums which it is hoped will be contributed.
The new wards were completed in September, 1903, and, in view of the urgent demands of the surrounding crowded districts, were at once brought into use, being filled within a few days.
Notwithstanding that the available beds were thus increased to 114, the pressure on the in-patient accommodation has continued to be severe, and the Hospital may be said to be always full. The out-patients number 1,200 per week, including 115 accident and emergency cases.
The expenditure having been thus increased from £6,500 to £ll,000 a year, the Hospital is now in great need of immediate assistance for the maintenance of this important work, and we earnestly plead for donations and new annual subscriptions to the amount of £5,000 to tide over the present serious difficulties. If we were also fortunate enough to obtain £9,000 to pay off the building fund debt, and £25,000 to complete the scheme of enlargement, we should be very grateful, but circumstances compel us to appeal in the first place for funds for the maintenance of the hospital, and we trust that we shall not ask in vain for so good a work.
It should be noted that King Edward’s Hospital Fund annually subscribes £500 for general expenses, and has, in addition, given £3,250 towards the building fund.
Cheques, etc., crossed “Barclay and Co., Ltd.” should be sent to the Treasurer, at the Hospital, and the smallest contribution will be thankfully received.
We are, Sir, Your obedient servants,
AMHERST OF HACKNEY, President.
SUSAN SOMERSET, Vice-President.
WILLIAM CECIL, Chairman.
M. RUFFER, Treasurer.
June 21st, 1904.