THE MARQUESS OF CARMARTHEN (Lambeth, Brixton)asked the President of the Local Government Board, If his attention has been called to the following Resolution, passed by the Metropolitan Asylums Board on Saturday, 27th August: —
That, should the Ambulance Committee find it necessary, they be empowered to open the South Western Hospital (Stockwell) for the reception of fever patients;and, that, considering that this Hospital is surrounded by 400 or 500 houses, mostly inhabited by two families, and that there is an isolated hospital at Winchmore Hill quite empty, he will recommend that the latter be used, in- 1342 stead of opening the Stockwell Hospital for fever patients?
§ MR. ISAACS (Newington, Walworth)inquired, whether it was not the fact that the hospital at Winchmore Hill was entirely unfurnished, and that it would cost several thousand pounds to prepare it for the reception of patients?
§ THE PRESIDENT (Mr. RITCHIE) () Tower Hamlets, St. George'sThe fact suggested by the hon. Member (Mr. Isaacs is undoubtedly correct. My attention has been called to the Resolution referred to. The question whether the South Western Hospital or that at Winchmore Hill should be opened was considered by the managers, who determined by a considerable majority in favour of opening the former. The Winchmore Hill Hospital is not furnished; and it would, therefore, have taken longer than the other hospital to prepare for patients. The matter, however, was one of urgency; and the Committee have already found it necessary to act upon the resolution of the managers and to open the South Western Hospital. No evidence has been adduced to show that during the 17 years which have elapsed since this Hospital was first opened fever has spread from it to the surrounding houses; and, under all the circumstances, I have not thought it necessary to interfere with the decision of the managers on the subject.