On This Day, 29 March 1916

Birmingham Mail

Wednesday 29 March 1916

HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN.

WAR WORK AND ITS EFFECT ON HEALTH.

An interesting statement on the year’s work of the Birmingham and Midland Hospital for Women was made today at the annual meeting of the subscribers held at the Council House. This showed that the in-patients (1,655) had increased by 161, and that the death rate, following operations, had steadily decreased. It was equal to only 2 1/4 per cent. There had been greater demand than usual on the in-patient accommodation at Sparkhill, owing to the other hospitals taking fewer women patients. It was stated, moreover, that in these times of stress and strain many women were engaged in munition and other industrial work for which they were physically unfitted, and that the tendency would be for the number of women patients materially to increase. Harassing conditions were chiefly responsible for the present high rate of “breakdowns” among women.
Mrs John Feeney, who presided, pointed out that the general and special hospitals had to face a serious time. The Women’s Hospital was able to make a brave stand against any criticism that might be advanced. During the year the number of inpatients had shown a fairly large increase. Many of the cases would not have been there but for the anxiety brought on by the war, which had developed disease and other forms of illness. The steadily decreasing death rate was a matter for warm congratulation. (Hear, hear.) The honorary staff of the hospital was engaged on military work; they were like “modern Crusaders” fighting effectively with the weapon of science, and with patience and enduring courage. (Hear, hear.) The cause of women, as represented by that hospital, ought strongly to appeal to all public-spirited citizens. The need was great, urgent, and important, and she hoped that next year a special effort would be made to tide over besetting difficulties.
It was stated that an adverse balance of £2,300 had been reduced to £1,540 by special donations, but a larger subscription list was essential.
The report was approved, and fitting tributes were paid to the work of Miss Richmond, who had resigned the position of matron after eighteen years’ service.
Mrs. Feeney was re-elected president.