Date: Sun, 15 Jul 2007 00:27:14 -0700 From: "Jean R." <jeanrice@cet.com> Subject: [IRELAND] Women's National Health Assoc./Ireland - Guidelines/TB patients early 1900s To: <IRELAND-L@rootsweb.com> SNIPPET: Where government had nothing to offer, and charity was both insufficient and cold-hearted, the people at the bottom of the heap had to rely on one another. Areas like the Lanes of Limerick or the Liberties of Dublin were looked on with horror by people who lived elsewhere as the abodes of dirt and crime. Within these close-packed streets, however, there was often an enduring spirit of community and mutual help despite all the frictions and hardships. A particularly grim reality for the poorer populations of cities like Limerick, Cork and Dublin were diseases such as tuberculosis and diphtheria, which continued to take their toll in the 1930s, as they had at the turn of the century. By the time someone was admitted to the hospital, it might well be too late. There were many diseases considered incurable. Especially, in the tuberculosis wards, many people, old and young, were admitted in the expectation that they would die there. The ever-present fear of death helped to create the chilly, brooding atmosphere that sometimes also seemed reflected in the architecture of the hospital itself. "When I saw her first reclining Her lips were mov'd in prayer, And the setting sun was shining On her loosen'd golden hair. When our kindly glances met her Deadly brilliant was her eye; And she said that she was better, While we knew that she would die." - Richard d'Alton Williams, extract, "The Dying Girl." The Women's National Health Association of Ireland published guidelines for the treatment of T.B. patients in Ireland in the early 1900s which read: RULES FOR CONSUMPTIVE PATIENTS Consumption is a catching disease. It may pass from person to person. The chief source of infection is to be found in the phlegm of the consumptive. The great danger lies in the drying of the spits, and the blowing about of the dried infectious material. The spread of consumption can be largely prevented. When at home, the patient should spit into a jar or cup containing some fluid. The vessel should be changed once in twelve hours, or oftener. It should be cleansed by being filled up with BOILING water. The combined contents should be poured down the w. c. The vessel should then be washed with BOILING water. When the patient is out of doors he should carry a pocket flask. The flask should be used and cleansed like a jar. The patient should never spit in the streets, or on floors. The phlegm should on no account be swallowed. Consumptive mothers should not suckle. Patients with advanced disease should have special table utensils if possible. Rooms which have been occupied by a consumptive patient should, before occupation by someone else, be carefully disinfected, as after any other infectious disease. FRESH AIR IS THE FOOD OF THE LUNGS. Therefore see that the lungs are not starved. A.-- By Day.-- The patient should occupy an airy a room as possible. THE WINDOW SHOULD BE FREELY OPEN. When able the patient should be out of doors during the day. He must AVOID OVER-EFFORT and chill. B.--By Night.-- He should sleep alone. The bedroom should be large and airy. The WINDOW SHOULD BE KEPT FREELY OPEN in all weathers.