The Hospital Requirements of Sydney. 31 



of each bed, to enable the patients to assist themselves in difficult 

 movements. 



A few aquaria and wardian cases of ferns, &c, are perhaps the 

 best ornaments which can be found ; but it is a good plan to have 

 nails in fixed places upon the walls, upon which large oil prints, 

 engravings, or illuminated texts may be hung. 



A separate and central bathing establishment should be con- 

 structed for general use, and fitted with means for administering 

 Turkish, medicated, vapour, and shower baths. 



The operating theatre should be central, roomy, and well Lighted 

 for day or night use, of horseshoe shape, supplied with hot and 

 cold water, and a lift for patients. Two small wards should be 

 placed adjoining it, for patients after severe operations, and a 

 dressing room for the surgical staff. 



A commodious and cheerful chapel, conveniently placed for the 

 use of all denominations, is demanded in the centre of the estab- 

 lishment. 



The main staircases should be of stone, or, what is preferable 

 for the use of invalids, an iron framework with wooden slabs. 



The kitchen should occupy as nearly as possible a central posi- 

 tion, and be placed in a small building with the scullery, engine- 

 room, and coal-bin. The best form of range is that which stands 

 in the centre of the apartment, the sides of the latter being fitted 

 with dressers, shelves, tables, &c. The doorway should be as 

 convenient as possible to the lift, which travels from the basement 

 to the upper floor of each pavilion. 



The diets should not be too limited in number or variety, other- 

 wise the extras will be considerable, and lead to extravagant out- 

 lay, great inconvenience, and much confusion in the housekeeping 

 department. 



A storeroom for the patients' clothes, fitted with an oven, &c, 

 for their purification, must be provided, in which all clothes be- 

 longing to patients should be kept during their sojourn in the 

 hospital. 



The dispensary should also occupy a central position, and be 

 provided with a well-appointed laboratory, drug store, gas-stove, 

 &c, also with a small lift to the wards. 



It should, of course, communicate with the out-patients' depart- 

 ment. 



Speaking-tubes should be fitted between the sisters' rooms, 

 kitchen, and dispensary. 



A clean linen and clothes store is necessary. It should possess 

 windows on three sides, and be furnished with large light racks, 

 divided into small compartments, in which the linen and clothes 

 can be freely sorted, piled, and aired. 



It is most undesirable that a laundry should exist in any town 

 hospital, where all the enclosed land that can be obtained should 



