South Yorkshire Times, March 2nd, 1934
Montagu Hospital
Review Of 1933
Busy And Expensive Year
Annual Meeting Reflections
The annual meeting of governors and subscribers of the Montagu Hospital was held on Monday evening. Mr. W. A. Lewis, Chairman of the Board of Management, presided. The meeting was well attended.
Chairman’s Review
The Chairman said that during the year some of their best had passed away, but the influence of their work remained. Progress had continued. The Board were trying to meet fully the needs of the subscribers and to ease the pressure on already overcrowded city institutions. To this end they had engaged the best obtainable medical and surgical men, who would decide whether patients need go to other institutions. Those who did so in face of these specialists’ decisions to the contrary would do so at their own expense. They rejoiced in the completion of the nurses’ hostel which met a long-felt want. Apart from questions of convenience, they felt nothing was too good for “those giving their services ungrudgingly for the wellbeing of others.”
He offered a big “thank you” to the Miners’ Welfare Fund for the gift of £8,019 which made the erection of the hostel possible; and warm thanks to the County Council for their contribution of £2,500 and to the Barnsley British Co-operative Society for one of £314 toward the furnishing of the hostel. The hostel would be formally opened on April 14th and be open the three following days for public inspection. Two tablets would be unveiled, one by Mr. G. H. Ashwin of Wath, Chairman of the District Committee of the Welfare Fund; and the other by Alderman G. Probert of Bolton, Chairman of the West Riding Public Health Committee.
General alterations to the hospital included the installation of a new theatre equipped at a cost of £500, two new maternity wards, a clinic, a labour ward, two isolation wards, a new wing for children and pathological and out-patient departments, all of which would be completed in a few months, he hoped. The present maternity wards would then be available for medical cases when finances permitted. Bad as the times were, the work people of the area would not let them down. The hospital had the confidence of the people. He wanted to silence the doubting Thomases. He suggested a special meeting of subscribers “to review the whole position as we find it to-day.” Much had happened since they last had such a meeting, eleven years ago. They then had no resident surgeon, consultant physician or radiologist, no eye, ear, nose, throat, or massage departments, now they had all of them. They had no maternity ward; now they had twenty beds in commission. On these professional services they spent twenty per cent of their income, roughly about £2,000. The past gave them cause for gratitude and inspiration, the future was full of obligation and glorious opportunity.
“Bright Spots”
The report of the Committee, submitted by the secretary, Mr. D. M. Wilson, said it was too much to expect that 1933 should show an improvement in receipts on 1932, and as a matter-of-fact workpeople’s subscriptions, the branch of revenue on which their success or failure depended, touched a new low level. But on the whole the total ordinary revenue of £12,562 against £13,008 for the previous year, indicated that all “pulled their weight.” Realising the difficulties with which all sections of the public were struggling, the Board gathered encouragement from the year’s working and hoped for a distinct improvement in the financial outlook in 1934. Against the drop in ordinary revenue there was to be set the bright spots of capital grants, amounting to £19,902 which had “set the hospital on a course it never hoped to steer.” Hospitals tended to burst their original bounds and as staffed increased more accommodation was needed for it. The grants referred to assured them of adequate accommodation for their nurses. The new theatre with equipment and structural alterations would cost about £1,000, the much needed modernisation of the house kitchen took another £560 and the furnishing of new wards, building and equipping of the children’s ward, and the pathological and out-patients departments, with the purchase of £1,250, worth 3½ per cent. Conversion stock would absorb the balance of the Welfare Fund grant. The grants and other gifts had been well applied and they also had to acknowledge with gratitude a legacy of £250 from the late Mr. Henry Jackson of Wath.
Generous Colliery Companies
Another happy feature was the generous way in which the Manvers Main and Hickleton colliery companies dealt with the loans of £2,500, and £1,500 respectively they made “at a time the hospital was seriously in need of funds.” Barely had the money been received when “the overwhelming industrial avalanche of 1926 swept the institution off its financial feet,” and the terms of repayment could not be met. The companies not only extended the period of the loans, but the Manvers Main Company wiped theirs off. The Hickleton Main Company met the situation in a different but equally generous way, offering to increase their annual subscription to one third of the amount contributed by their employees, so as to provide means
whereby the loan would wipe out in a few years. This offer was conditional on other colliery companies adopting a similar course and the technicalities of the plan had not been cleared up by the end of the year, but in the meantime the company were continuing the loan. The general adoption of the scheme would mean an increase of nearly £2,000 a year in the hospital’s income.
Losses
The tragic death of Mrs. S. O. Hatherley, of Swinton, during the year, caused deep sorrow at the hospital. She was the hospital’s first matron, and it was through her great enthusiasm and ability that the institution made such initial headway. Mrs. Hatherley might be said to be “the beginner of an organisation that future generations would bless.” To Dr. S. O. Hatherley and his daughters, the Board extended their deepest sympathies. The year had taken a heavy toll of members of the Board and their families. Mrs. George Squires, Mexborough, secretary of the Ladies’ Committee was bereaved of her husband, who was also an earnest worker for the hospital. Mr. F. H. Harrop chairman of the Finance Committee, lost his mother, Mr. Bannister suffered the loss of a brother-in-law; Mr. James Parkin, of Thurnscoe, one of the first members of the Board to be made a life governor, died in April after serving the Board for many years, and an enthusiastic member of the Ladies’ Committee, Mrs. Dickinson, of Bolton-on-Dearne, wife of Mr. George Dickinson, a member of the Board, died very suddenly. Just before her death the Board decided, in acknowledgement, of a very handsome monetary gift, to name the massage ward the “George and Mary Dickinson Ward.” It would “perpetuate the name of a kindly and worthy woman.” Another member of the Board Mr. H. E. Elliott, suffered bereavement by the death of his brother, Mr. C. D. Elliott; and the Matron, Miss Wesley, lost her mother. Other notable losses were those of Mr. G. H. Hirst. M. P. who had assisted them on numerous occasions on demonstration platforms. Mrs. Harry Howard, wife of the Vicar of Goldthorpe and Mr. George Dowson of Goldthorpe, a prominent hospital worker, who died under tragic circumstances while at work.
The resignations were received during the year of Dr. Richard Lee, Superintendent of the massage department. Dr. H. S. Bhalla, surgeon to the ear, nose and throat department. Mr. J. B. Feltham, consulting engineer, all of whom gave splendid services in their respective capacities. The ear, nose and throat department was now under the direction of Mr. A. W. Fawcett, F.R.C.S. Sheffield; and Mr. E. Andrews, electrical engineer to the Mexborough Urban Council had succeeded Mr. Feltham. No new appointment had been made in the massage department which was still under the general supervision Colonel A. M. Connell. Warm thanks were again due to the honorary consultants and medical staff, visiting consulting surgeon and physician, Matron, Assistant Matron, and nurses, the quality of whose work “represented the highest that could be given.”
Thanks were also extended to the solicitor, Mr. J. W. Hattersley, and Mr. Bannister for their “specialised services.” The Board expressed appreciation of the invaluable services given to the area by Sheffield hospitals. They were indebted too to the National Provincial Bank, Ltd., for the helpful accommodation given. Other helpers to whom special thanks were due were Mr. George Squires, Mexborough, Mr. T. R. Waddington, Wath and Mr. B. L. Smith, Swinton, for acting as “receiving agents” for the annual egg collection.
Appreciation
A note of appreciation was recorded of the practical interest taken in the hospital by Police Superintendent’s A. J. Minty (Doncaster) and T. Horton (Rotherham), both of whom retired during the year. Their successors Superintendent’s Huddlestone and Kay (Rotherham) were warmly welcomed. The helpful services of the police throughout the area were gratefully acknowledged. Substantial revenue was gained from the special Sunday evening concerts given by cinema proprietors throughout the area , to whom the Board were indebted, together with the Ladies’ Committee. ” Rag” Committee and Sports Committee, who between them raised nearly £1,000. Members of the Mexborough group of Toc H. continued to manage the hospital library efficiently. Last, but not least, the hospital continued to owe much to the press. The “South Yorkshire Times” had “poured” out publicity concerning the hospital without stint,” and the sympathy of its proprietors, and editor, which had long been assured, was support of the greatest value.
Interest in the hospital remained widespread and keen. All were willing to give a helping hand and cheery word. While that spirit
prevailed, the hospital must succeed. The bond which united the hospital and its subscribers would withstand every assault and “out of the depressing shadows of 1933 would emerge a future brighter, richer and more fruitful.”
Rising Deficit
The financial statement presented by Mr. Percy Bannister, the treasurer showed on revenue account an income of £12,562 against an expenditure of £13,772, leaving a deficit of £1,210. Mr. Bannister said that a year ago he had to report that owing to normal receipts being lower and normal expenditure being higher, the total payments were £630 more than receipts. Though the account this time appeared to show an excess of nearly twice that figure, actually the net increase in the deficiency was £260, as £320 for professional fees which would be recovered was not included. The real interest in the deficiency of £260, was due to the receipts being lower by £446 and expenditure up by £134. Workpeople’s subscriptions, down by £845 amounted to £7217, equivalent to 70 per cent of the total ordinary income, excluding the County Council payments. This decrease, while not unexpected, was to some extent by increases in other receipts; chiefly in donations amounting to £229, against £177, private wards £129 against 51; County Council receipts up by over £500; and receipts from the Ladies’ Committee £502 against £412. The remaining items of revenue were normal.
Treasurer’s Tribute
Expenditure appeared to have increased by £134 (allowing for the professional fees referred to) but there was actually an increase of £186, which was encouraging. He thanked all workpeople, subscribers, organisers and loyal helpers for their self-sacrifice and wholehearted assistance. The total number of in-patients was 2,557, the average number in hospital daily 72, and the average stay per patient 10.3 days. The annual cost per in-patient was £5 7s.9d and the daily cost 10s 4d. as against 11s 10d. and 11s in 1932. The hospital’s work had been greater than ever. Problems cropped up over the extensions, administration or finance which meant a year of stress and anxiety for those responsible. But what impressed him at the meetings was the keen enthusiasm and co-operative spirit. Suggestions and healthy criticism had been made which were characteristic of the English voluntary hospital system. It was only right when so much time, effort and money was put into a work of that nature that they should feel they were “getting their money’s worth.” Outlining the medical achievements of the year Mr. Bannister said every subscriber could be assured he would get full benefits at that hospital.
PAYMENTS TO SHEFFIELD
Income and expenditure during the year must balance. The Finance Committee, charged with the duty of considering expenditure, were thrashing out the problem. One result was that they were determined that payments to Sheffield hospital should be reduced from 9s a day to 6s 8d. they could not pay a medical and surgical staff about £2,000 a year and make payments to Sheffield of over £500. The work of “costing up” the maternity ward to satisfy themselves there was no wastage, was in hand. The suggestion from the Hickleton Main Colliery Company was being closely considered. But he thought there was little further economy that could be effected for the complete recovery and wellbeing of patients must come first. They must carry on and endeavour to meet increased responsibilities with courage and the determination to succeed.
Medical Report
Dr. Ursula Nutt, house surgeon, presenting the medical report, said the work of the hospital was increasing in all departments. During the year, 2,537 patients were admitted, and 75 had to be included from the previous year, a total of 2,612. The number of operations amounted to 1,653, against 1,500 in 1932 and 1,300 in 1931. Referring to the work of maternity wards Dr. Nutt said 306 confinements had been recorded and 284 babies born. The out-patient department had increased its work enormously, the number of attendances being 2,593, and increase of 13.2 per cent over 1932 and forty per cent over 1931. This increase justified the Board in building a new out-patient department and extending the hospital. The new wards and operating theatre were greatly needed.
Ladies’ Committee
The Ladies’ Committee were pleased to report a substantial increase in the amount turned over to the hospital’s general account. The secretary, Mrs. Squires, said the committee had given £501 against £412 last year, an increase of £89; an achievement of which they naturally felt proud. Their efforts were chiefly directed to “Rose Day” and the annual house-to-house collection. They were arranging to hold a bazaar in May, and weekly sewing meetings had been going on for some time in active preparation for the event, with materials bought out of the profits on their whist drives. They were again glad to have obtained the valuable co-operation of the Mexborough Rotary Club. They thanked Mrs. J. A. R. Lee for the use of her garden for an open-air “drive” and Mr. J. Allsopp for his continued assistance in conducting their “drives”. They acknowledged the generous assistance of Mrs. Spencer, of Thurnscoe and committee and the directors of the Thurnscoe cinema for a special show which raised £11 8s. which amount was returned for expenditure on the Thurnscoe stall at the bazaar. “Rose Day,” which called for really hard work, could be considered fairly satisfactory, considering the hard times, though they regretted a decrease in receipts. The house-to-house collection was again remarkably successful. This effort enabled many who did not contribute to maintain continuous and direct contact with the hospital. Without wishing to draw comparisons, special note was called for of the outstanding achievements of Mrs. G. Cresswell, of Mexborough, who collected £92 18s 10d. The committee were enthusiastic and hard-working and optimism was the dominant note. Members were happy in their work, onerous though it sometimes was, and they began another year in confidence. To all who had supported them they offered their heartiest thanks.
Sports And Entertainment Committee
Submitting the report of the Sports and Entertainment Committee, Mr. B. Worth congratulated Thurnscoe Vics on winning the Montagu Cup and thanked the Wath Athletic and Thurnscoe Football Clubs for the use of grounds. He regretted to report a loss on the competition of over £3. The winners of the Montagu Schools’ Shield were Brampton. This competition was also unsuccessful. The bowls competition was successful and enjoyable. Twenty teams competed from Doncaster, Wombwell and Dalton Brook as well as the district served by the hospital. The competition realised a profit of £5. Swinton ladies had won the ladies’ bowls competition which realised £2 14s 0d. The ambulance competition was won by the Wath Main, Hickleton Main and Armthorpe Collieries. Commenting on the “Times” Cricket Cup competition, Mr. Worth said it was the first season the committee had taken over the competition. Although there was a profit of £5, he felt that greater interest could have been shown. He thanked the Mexborough Tennis Association for promoting a tennis competition which realised £3 3s. Referring to the Mexborough Hospital demonstration, Mr. Worth said this annual effort was becoming difficult to organise and less than £5 was raised by it last year. An educational film on hospital work realised £10.
Mr. G. H. Cooper, chairman of the Committee, spoke in appreciation of the work of Mr. Worth, who recently tendered his resignation as secretary., but volunteered to assist Mr. H. Grant, his successor.
An application from the Mexborough Urban District Council for representation on the Board was deferred in view of the anticipated amalgamation of the Mexborough and Swinton urban districts.
A vote of thanks to the honorary staff, consulting staff and officials was proposed by Mr. A. J. Wroe, seconded by Mr. G. Schofield. The general committee and ladies’ committee were re-elected.