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In this report, the Director of the St John Ambulance Hospital in Étaples reports that on his return from visiting Headquarters in England he found the hospital in fine condition and the visiting General Woodhouse had made a very positive report of his inspection. In his previous report, the Director had made enquiries as to the pay given to Nurses when on leave, which he had now forward to the Receiver General. He also reports that 41% of the Nurses working at the hospital were currently sick, mostly with influenza and septic (infected) fingers, but he expected many to make a recovery once the weather improved.
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Army Post Office. S. 11,
British Expeditionary Force,
France.
1/3/16.
My Lord,
On my return from England I found all well with the
Hospital.
During my absence General Woodhouse, A.M.S. has made
a thorough inspection of the Hospital and requested Major
Trimble, who was acting for me during my absence, to express
to me his great appreciation with all he has seen. I met him
at dinner on Sunday and he then expressed to me his entire
satisfaction with the hospital and the way it was conducted.
In accordance with the ruling I obtained at the last
meeting of the late Finance & General Purposes Committee, I
have submitted certain question of expenditure connected with
the Nurses for the consideration of the Receiver General.
I am sorry to say the sickness amongst our Nurses has
been somewhat high. the per centage being 41% of our strength
since we came out. The ailments are not serious, chiefly
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Influenza and Septic fingers, and as the weather improves
will probably drop considerably.
I have the honour to be,
Your Lordships
Obedient Servant
James Clark
The Director,
The Ambulance Department,
St. John’s Gate,
London. E.C.