Report of Consiillli Boari of Plyslcians ai Snrseons.
 

Hon. Henry A. Hurlbut,

President of the Commissioners of Emigration:

Sir :—Some days since, the following communication was received
by the chairman of the Consulting Board of Ward's Island Emigrant
Hospital.

Castle  Garden,            )

New York, January 5th, 1886. \

Dr. S. Oakley Vanderpoel,

Chairman Consulting Board:

Dear Sir :—The Board of Commissioners of Emigration request
that the consulting Board of Physicians and Surgeons will make a report
to them of the operations of the Ward's Island Hospital Department
during the past year, and as to the condition of the hospitals, together
with any recommendations they may deem proper to make.

Very respectfully,

H. J. JACKSON,

Secretary,

In compliance with the above request, the committee of the consult¬
ing Board have made a careful inspection of all the wards of the
hospital. It was their priviledge to find nothing but what to commend.
The visit was made without previous notice. So that no special pre¬
parations for inspection could be made. All the physicians were found
on duty, and all actively employed. The wards, beds and clothing
were scrupulously clean, the rooms well ventilated, and the sick had a
contented well-cared-for appearance.

Indeed it may be affirmed no hospital in the city is better conducted.
No suggestions, regarding their care or administration, are called for.

The smoothness with which the institutions on Ward's Island under
your care have run during the past year, and their continued efficiency
has demonstrated the wisdom of your board, in abolishing the separate
office of superintendent, and placing the management directly under
the supervision of the chief medical officer. This change has un¬
doubtedly resulted in great benefit to the institution, as it has made the
medical staff, who best understand the needs of the hospital, directly