Reports on hospitals and the patient and a domestic workers' charter
1931 1931 1930s 22 pages 2. NEEDS OF IN-PATIENTS. A. Ward Furniture Beds. The most important furniture in the ward is the beds. They should be of the right height (3 ft. 6 in.), with taut springs, and adjustable by turning a handle to four positions : raised head, raised feet, sitting, and raised kn...
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| Institution: | MCR - The Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick |
| Language: | English English |
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London : Labour Party
1931
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| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/10796/FFB089CB-D847-49B9-8535-C0894922D491 http://hdl.handle.net/10796/676CE43B-963C-47DF-81F9-3DA9A10807D1 |
| Summary: | 1931
1931
1930s
22 pages
2. NEEDS OF IN-PATIENTS. A. Ward Furniture Beds. The most important furniture in the ward is the beds. They should be of the right height (3 ft. 6 in.), with taut springs, and adjustable by turning a handle to four positions : raised head, raised feet, sitting, and raised knees. Large rubber wheels are a necessity on a ward bed. Curtains should be fixed round every bed to run at least half down its length. They can be suspended from the rod which goes round the four sides, and when not in use can be tied to the two rear corners. The use of these curtains does much to reconcile patients to a public ward, especially women. At washing times they give privacy and keep away draughts. At night time they help to shut off the patient from the other activities of the ward, and so induce sleep. They also make for economy in screens, which they could match. A pulley fixed over the head of the patient is certainly worth the cost in comfort to the patient and labour-saving for the nurse. The charts fixed on the curtain rail at the foot of the bed can be seen at once by the nurses but not the patient. Bedding. The most convenient type of mattress is that used in the Army, which is made up of three "biscuits." The filling depends somewhat on the nature of the work of the ward, but hair and fibre is the best for all ordinary use. Most hospitals suffer from a scanty supply of sheets. The ideal number should allow of two changes per bed per week, with a few extra for emergencies. Patients vary so much as to their need of blankets that no definite number can be laid down, except that an allowance of three per bed in the winter should allow for adjustments, but the blankets must always be supplemented with hot-water bottles. The counterpanes used can add a cheerful note of colour. Rubber sheets should have calico fixed on both ends, at least, to allow for tucking under the mattress. If a ward has adjustable beds comparatively few pillows are needed, and an allowance of two per bed would be sufficient. Without these beds, four are often wanted for one bed. To the majority of patients an air or water cushion pillow is a necessity, especially after an operation. One to (7)
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