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West End Nursery logbook, Vol. 3, Sept 1891 - April 1894

 File — Box: OB 2, Object: 2
Identifier: III

Scope and Contents

From the Series:

consists of admissions and discharges logs, nursing reports, and patient statistics. The thirteen admissions and discharges logs date from Oct. 1923 to Aug. 1926. Nine of the logs include indexes to patient names on loose pages at the back of or on the last pages of the bound volume. Information recorded consists of: name, age, address, parents' names, admitting diagnosis, rate of board, sent by, and religion.

The five medical record books date from 1882 to 1898. They record the following information: family history, dentition, measurements, diet, and treatment. Detailed charts of temperature, dejections (stools), feedings, and weight are also included.

The volumes of patient registers span the years 1896-1950. The records for 1903-16 and 1921-26 are missing. Information recorded consists of: date, name, sex, birthplace, residence, parents' names, ages, birthplaces, and residence, disease, board rate, notification address, discharged, results, telephone number, and remarks. At May 1950 a note in the register explains that a new system was instituted and patient records from 1950-1961 are in registers that combine Infants' patients and Children's patients (see accession #92-35).

The nursing reports date from 1932-1943. These monthly reports written by Isabelle Jordan, R.N., Helen Reidel, R.N., Harriet Russell, R.N., and Mary Chapman, R.N., for the Ladies Aid Committee, provide a general overview of the nursing work of the hospital from the point of view of the nursing supervisor. They are written to promote and guide fund-raising activities.

The reports include examples of interesting or appealing patients, who are named. Medical conditions and progress are reported, and nursing problems, such as quarantines or the use of oxygen tents for premature or ill infants is described. Sometimes comments about parents or problems in the home environment are included. Supplies and furnishings received or needed are noted, and a wish list is generally included at the end. These reports provide documentation not only of the day-to-day work of the nursing staff, but also, indirectly, of the Ladies Aid Committee.

The patient statistics are summaries by month and year of information, such as number of patients remaining from the previous month, number admitted, number discharged, number of patients at different rates, total number of hospital days, average stay, discharge notes, and number remaining in the hospital. The numbers of x-rays, autopsies, and staff are also provided.

Dates

  • Sept 1891 - April 1894

Access

The collection is unrestricted with the exception of the patient records. Please consult the archivist for further information.

Extent

From the Collection: 13 Linear Feet (2 cartons, 11 Hollinger boxes, 4 oversize boxes)

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Repository Details

Part of the Boston Children’s Hospital Archives Repository

Contact:
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Boston MA 02115 United States
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