Mortality in the Hospital
The monthly RMS report for August 1918 indicates how the flu largely left the asylum unaffected during the first wave of infection. The acting RMS Alfred Sheridan wrote that the health of the patients warranted nothing special to comment on. The minute books of the asylum record the names and dates of all inmates who died during the month. The entry for November 1918 shows a remarkable spike in numbers dying of influenza and its side effect pneumonia. There are 10 patients listed as dying from pneumonia and 2 from influenza (septic pneumonia was side effect of the Spanish Flu). This was the deadly second wave of the virus sweeping Ireland and the world. The RMS FC Ellison calls the situation a crisis without parallel, the virus came without warning and within ten days 100 male and 30 female were infected with ¾ of the staff incapacitated. The asylum could no longer function normally with the RMS saying he could not be held responsible in the event of a total breakdown of order.[1]
The monthly report for December 1918 is of an even more severe nature than November’s. Upon looking at the minute book for the hospital, it is evident an extra page has been added to cope with the staggering numbers of deceased form the flu, between December and November at least 50 have died (see Figure 9 below). There are entries describing cause of death with many labelled ‘influenza-pneumonia’. The report said that of over 70 staff only 12 were able for duty, with three female staff dead (see Appendix 1). There is an entry offering sympathy to the relations of the dead staff members.[2] [1] RMS monthly report November 1918,Castlebar District Asylum, National Archive of Ireland. [2] RMS monthly report December 1918,Castlebar District Asylum, National Archive of Ireland. |
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