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November 16, 2007

KILDARE COUNTY INFIRMARY - Part 2

 
1837-
Jan.
16.
County Surveyor's plans adopted and sent to Road Sessions and Grand Jury.
1839-
May.
31.
Duke of Leinster to get a lithographed plan of Infirmary.
 
Nov.
26.
Plans and alterations adopted. One person to act as Apothecary and Steward at ₤40 per annum. Porch in front. Shed for men's garden and one for women's to be built.
1841-
Jan.
29.
Building's insured at ₤1,700; Furniture at ₤200.
 
Aug.
24.
John Murphy's proposal for new work accepted, as recommended by Architect, Mr. Butler, [. – sic]
1842-
Jan.
14.
Mr. Yeates (Co. Surveyor) to inspect new works and compare same with Architects plans and specifications.
1824-
May
24.
Communications with Poor Law Commissioners. Surgeon's apartments expressly built for his accomodation. [accommodation – sic; 1824 - sic - possibly should read 1842?]
1845 -
May
22.
Co. Surveyor to prepare plans for alterations and repairs.
    "
Sep.
22.
Stephen Mulleady's proposal for new works accepted at ₤179 16s. 4d. Edward Marshall's for re-fitting well ₤75.
1851-
Oct.
8.
Summer Assize Grant ₤300 and Treasury Grant ₤89 1s 10d.
1852-
 
 
Total Expenditure Jan. 5, 1851, to Jan. 5, 1852-₤636 19s. 9d.
1853-
 
 
Marquis of Kildare appointed Treasurer. County Surveyor to prepare estimate for next Assize for new works.
1855-
 
 
Dr. Geoghegan gets 12 months' leave of absence. Dr. Chaplain locum tenens.
1855-
July
20.
County Surveyor to make survey of necessary repairs.
1856-
Feb.
16.
Dr. Geoghegan resigns.
1856-
Mar.
28.
Dr. Chaplain elected Surgeon.
1857-
 
 
Dr. Chaplain to act as Secretary and Apothecary at ₤40 per annum.
1865-
Feb.
9.
Resolution regarding proposed Lock Hospital. Dr. Chaplain may act as Superintendent Surgeon of Lock. Necessary changes to be carried out.
1865-
Aug.
10.
Surveyor to draw up detailed report of needed repairs and a plan for sewerage.
1865-
Oct.
12.
Dr. Chaplain to write to Hans Hendrick, Esq., for lease for ever of plot in Mr. Clancy's field 20ft. x 16 for sewage tank.
1866-
Mar.
29.
Project to build Surgeon's House. 1st Grand Jury grant too small. Subscription list opened. Subscribers of ₤20 and over to be Governors for life.
1866-
July
6.
Vote of thanks to Turf Club for piece of ground given to Infirmary. Mr. Brazil's plan for alterations adopted.
1866-
Sep.
3.
New buildings, according to plan of Surveyor to be carried out. Contract for Surgeon's House given to Mr. Dunne for ₤1,369 13s. 6½d.
1867-
Oct.
25.
Surgeon's House insured for ₤1,200. Fence wall side and front to be carried out.
1867-
Nov.
29.
New wards to be completed. For altering hot water supply, ₤22 10s. 0d.
1868-
Jan.
25.
Additional alterations to be carried out.
1868-
July
28.
Surgeon to have plan for new Laundry by next Presentment Sessions.
1869-
Aug.
5.
Mr. Irwin to send in specification for work to be done in Surgeon's house.
1869-
Nov.
11.
Let Secretary write Mr. Kennedy for ₤150 granted at last Assize out of dog tax. Make out report for repairs to be presented for at next Assize. Lower ceilings in Surgeon's house renewed.
1870-
Feb.
2.
Mr. Irwin's bill ₤157 10s. 0d., paid. Baths, cistern, water-closets to be put in order.
1870-
May
14.
County Surveyor to make a plan for new Laundry and drying closet.
1872-
Feb.
8.
Plan of Laundry by Messrs. Loftus approved, and County Surveyor to have estimate for buildings and drainage ready for Grand Jury, to be applied for next Assize.
1872-
July
12.
Edward Gibney's tender for alterations in Laundry, at ₤142 0s. 0d, accepted.
1873-
May
3.
County Surveyor to examine Laundry Works; direct Loftus as to defects, and see E. Gibney's contract.
1873-
Nov.
11.
Policy of Insurance for Buildings effected at ₤4,000 with Patriotic.
1874-
June
11.
Board not ready to give new contract for Laundry.
 
July
11.
Mr. Waldron to complete existing contract for Laundry, and enter on new contract.
1875-
Feb.
11.
Surgeon's house much out of repair. ₤50 to repair it. Send resolution to Grand Jury.
1875-
Sep.
14.
Mr. Waldron's tender for repairs to Surgeon's house accepted.
1875-
Sep.
27.
Mr. Waldron's plan to be completed by Summer Assize, 1876.
1876.-
Oct.
30.
Wards to be floored. Expense not to exceed Grand Jury grant.
1877-
Jan.
13.
Mr. Waldron's tender for flooring accepted at ₤247.
1877-
Apr.
14.
₤222 2s. 0d. on account to Mr. Waldon for work done at Infirmary and Surgeon's house.
1877-
Nov.
24.
₤302 to Mr. Waldron for work done.
1879-
Nov.
1.
Mr. Brett to report on drainage and sewerage of Hospital and Surgeon's House, and suggest improvements.
1880-
Sep.
11.
Sewerage arrangements suggested by Mr. Brett to be carried out. Bath and closet for Surgeon's house, ₤50.
1883-
Jan.
26.
Three members to confer with Solicitor of Grand Jury and have case prepared for Assize regarding refusal of Presentment at County at County at Large Sessions.
1883-
Feb.
23.
Thomas Cooke-Trench, Esq., Rev. Dr. Kavanagh, James E. Medlicott, Esq., to lay before Cesspayers the great loss the County would sustain by closing Infirmary.
1883-
Mar.
5.
Counsel to be briefed regarding Presentment refused.
Above are items regarding Surgeon's House taken from two entries in Account Book. They do not show entire cost as is clear from above dates and references on page 9.
[p. 9. Listed entries from 1869-Nov. 11. To 1880-Sep. 11]
 
1884-
May.
14.
Mr. Medlicott to carry out legal arrangements regarding new plot given by Turf Club.
1885-
Jan.
30.
Lord Lieutenant cannot authorize Governors to hold a sworn inquiry. Local Government Board can hold it.
1885-
Feb.
17.
Mr. Clancy appointed to Secretaryship resigned by Dr. Chaplin.
1886-
Jan.
28.
As associated cesspayers have rejected Presentment (₤600) the Infirmary must be closed when funds are exhausted, "a calamity" to be averted.
1886-
July
9.
Salaries of officials reduced. Dr. Chaplain offers a subscription rate of ₤100 per annum.
1886-
May
17.
Presentment now rejected a third time by County at Large Sessions. Infirmary must be closed. No more patients after next Assize.
[Entry described May but after entry for July - may indicate the month is inaccurate or merely that listing is inaccurate.]
1887-
Apr.
27.
Dr. Chaplain appointed Caretaker.
1887-
Mar.
26.
Auction ordered.
1887-
Nov.
9.
No adequate Presentment. Intern department to be closed with all speed. Officials dismissed. Secretary and Surgeon retained. Salary of latter reduced to ₤94.
1890-
July
15.
At Naas ₤78 for necessary repairs.
1890-
Sep.
3.
Mr. Greene's tender for repairs, &c, accepted at ₤78 as specified by Mr. Glover.
1891-
Mar.
16.
₤20 to be paid for extra work over and above.
NO FURTHER ENTRY.
What the ratepayer has done to build up this property above merely indicate. [sic]
To verify same see Query Books, Abstracts of Presentments, Treasurer’s Account Book.
It is not implied that the rates were the sole source of income.
Besides the rates there were Subscriptions, Treasury Grants, Paying Patients, Petty Sessions’ Fines, Occasional Gifts.
Following from the Teasurer’s Account Book is a case where rates were substantial1y aided by Private Subscriptions.
 
-------------------------------------
 
SURGEON’S HOUSE.
Page 51.                                                                                               July 23,1868.
Amount of Subscriptions                                   ...         ...         ...         £791    0      0
County Presentments                                         ...         ...         ...          600    0      0
     ………….
                                                                                                            £1391   0     0
Amount of Expenditure                                     ... £1550   8   0
Balance due to Maintenance Fund                             159   8   0
        ………….          
                                                                            £1709 16 0
Page 57.                                                                                               May 14th, 1870
To Presentment at Summer Assizes (out of
            dog tax) for repairs of Surgeon’s House ...                                      £150   0    0
Paid out of Maintenance Fund (p. 50)   ...                                                         7 10   0
 
…………………………….
 
The average grant from 1858 to 1870 (available Query Books) was £850 for maintenance and support.
Where this grant is increased there is usually some special work being done. See Query Books 1866 for sewers; 1867 for Surgeon’s House; 1870 for repairs of Infirmary. See Abstract Presentments for summer 1869 with a grant of £700.
 
Is a property less valuable to the public where volunt­ary subscription enhances what obligatory rate provides?
 
May we confidently look for this mark of public appreci­ation.
 
………………………………………………………………………………..
Printed at “The Nationalist and Leinster Times” Office.
 
 
Infirmary Booklet Title 72dpi.JPG
 
 
The Leinster Leader 18/6/1960 carried an article on the Hospital which described the purpose of the booklet in the first paragraph : -
 
County Hospital Has a Lively History
 
In May, 1886, Kildare County Infirmary as it was then called, was closed, and it was re-opened in 1903, mainly through the efforts of Rev. John Delaney, who had been C.C. in Kildare since 1898. A booklet of 11 pages which Father Delaney had printed at the time, and circulated to subscribers of 1/- and upwards, is our main source for the history of Kildare County Hospital. Father Delaney’s history is based on the hospital and public records.
            …
 
 
Having paraphrased the information from the booklet, the last couple of paragraphs give a little more information on the hospital and Fr. Delaney.
 
            …
            In 1899, the first Kildare County Council was elected. Fr. John Delaney, C.C., led the first movement for the re-opening of the Hospital. Public meetings were held in Kildare, and all the facts were laid before the County Council, who promised support.
 
SISTERS TAKE CHARGE
            The Sisters of St. John of God, Kilkenny, were asked to take charge of the nursing. Miss Elizabeth Talbot, who was afterwards Mrs. Connolly of the Hotel, and another lady still living, went to Kilkenny to interview the Sisters. All preparations for the re-opening were supervised by Fr. Delaney, who also equipped the chapel.
            In 1903, the hospital was re-opened. In June of that year, Father Delaney was appointed Parish Priest of Rathvilly. In 1924, he became Monsignor. He died in 1941.
            From its re-opening in 1903, the County Hospital received a small grant from the County Council. In 1933, the Hospital was taken over fully by the County Council.
 
 
[Compiled and edited by Mario Corrigan - Reprint of Fr. Delaney's booklet on History of Co. Infirmary which was published as part of the campaign to re-open the Infirmary - closed since 1886/7 it was re-opened in 1903. original Booklet in Kildare Co. Library]

Posted by mariocorrigan at 10:41 PM

KILDARE COUNTY INFIRMARY - Part 1

KILDARE
 
COUNTY INFIRMARY.
 
IN the public interest, and in view of recent events, a brief outline of the origin and history of the above Institution may be now deemed desirable. The facts here set forth have already been laid before the Kildare County Council, and with kind permission, have been taken from the available public records dealing with the Infirmary. The Governor’s Minute book provides what here immediately follows.           
 
To find an origin for our Infirmary we must go as far back as 1767. On March 31st of that year, it wasresolved, at Naas, that an Infirmary be opened at Kildare, and that the Duke of Leinster be appointed Treasurer. In October, of the same year, effect was given to this resolution. A house or two was taken, in what is described, as the S.E. corner of Nugent’s lane, Kildare—and a temporary Infirmary opened. Tb primitive Institution thus started was soon found, for its purpose, wholly inadequate. The available room was insufficient, the house itself in bad repair. As early as 1772it was agreed upon by the Governors that a proper Infirmary should be built, but as the Duke of Leinster was unable to secure a site for which he could give a suitable lease; and as the funds necessary to meet the proposed outlay were not forthcoming, the matter could not be proceeded with. Fresh meetings of the Governors called forth fresh resolutions, deploring the sad state of the temporary Infirmary—the ruinous condition of the building—the absolute necessity of something being done. The desired action was at length taken. To a lady by lineage noble, by fame historic, the spirit to initiate, the determination to execute, is to be attributed. Lady Louisa Connolly presided at the October Meeting of the Governors in 1773. She reminded those present, that idly resolving was no solution of a manifest grievance—that no reason was now apparent why steps should not be at once taken—and accordingly had a resolution, there and then, passed approving of one of the plans already submitted for a new Infirmary. A meeting specially convened at Merrion street, Dublin, on October 31st, 1775, sanctioned this resolution, accepted the estimate of a Mr. Owens, and gave him the contract for £1,140. Meanwhile a site, adjacent to the temporary Infirmary had been acquired by the Duke of Leinster, and on this plot the new Infirmary was built. The building, as then erected, can have been but a portion of the present. elaborate structure. Within a few years the new Infirmary was ready for occupation, and in 1777 we find the Duke of Leinster directing a Mr. Spencer to have the lease drawn up on terms, which shall be presently referred to. In 1778 a new contract is given to Mr Owens, for sundry works, in connection with the Infirmary, and even at this stage the accommodation must have been limited, as no provision was made for the Surgeon to reside within the Infirmary, and no residence could be secured in town. Of this the Doctor complained in August 1778.
 
No event of importance now marks the history of the Infirmary ‘till we approach the days of the Irish Rebellion. At this particular period an absence of record characterizes the Governors Minute Book, but the void has been fully supplied by a memorial, copied into the book, at a much later date. This memorial was addressed by the daughters of Surgeon Bolton to the then Lord Lieutenant, Earl Talbot, and the substance of it—as follows—is really an interesting page in the history of our County Infirmary. The memorial deals only with the wrongs inflicted on the Surgeon, by the Military authorities of the day. No mention is made therein of patients, if such there were at the time. It otherwise gives a complete chronicle of the missing order of events. It appears that in 1797 the Cork Militia occupied the town of Kildare, were billeted on the people, but for reasons made known at headquarters an order was issued by the Quartermaster-General residing in Dublin to seize the County Kildare Infirmary and hold it as a Military Barracks. This order was quickly carried into effect by Captain Frayne, commanding the Cork Militia. He came on the Infirmary “by surprise,” captured the Doctor inside, and landed him out on the road with such of his effects as probably were devoid of utility to military manoeuvring men. Dr Bolton did not attempt a re-capture, but wisely and hurriedly retreated to Naas where, as best he could, by keeping open a dispensary for the relief of the poor, he tried to discharge his duties of Infirmary Surgeon till his death in 1818.
 
The infirmary then was forcibly closed, but the Governors, in the interval, endeavoured, under difficulties, to extend such sick relief as was possible. Meetings were held at Castletown from October 25th, 1796, to December 5th, 1799. On the latter dlate the Duke of Leinster was desired to forward to the Lord Lieutenant a petition, protesting against the seizure of the County Kildare Infirmary, and the injury done to the buildings by the quartering of the troops.
 
The grants usual in that day must have been meanwhile continued by Grand Jury, for the Governors in their reply to Earl Talbot confirmed the Misses Bolton Memorial. Each detail they verified, and declared that Surgeon Bolton was regularly paid his salary to 1809, when their Treasurer, Mr. La Touche, died. Again, at the Lent Assizes in 1810, the public record shows the Grand Jury Grant of £100 for the County Kildare Infirmary.
 
As yet the Infirmary at Kildare had not been re-opened. A house had been kept going as an Infirmary at Naas, and even at Maynooth a house, given for this purpose by the Duke of Leinster, was opened in 1817. Here we find that the Kildare Infirmary becomes again available—the military had evacuated it, and the buildings had reverted to the Duke of Leinster. So the Governors assembled at Maynooth on June 18th, 1817, resolved—“That owing to Naas difficulties Kildare is the place for the Infirmary; that the Duke of Leinster’s offer of the former buildings be again accepted, and a meeting for this purpose summoned.’
 
Very soon after that, a meeting was held at Naas. The Duke of Leinster not only proferred [proffered – sic] the buildings to the Governors on the old terms, but strongly urged the meeting to take them back, and as a special inducement, tendered, in addition, all the monies he had received from the Government as rent, during the military occupation. When the motion was finally put to the meeting there was an equal number of those present, for and against, and as the Chairman could not give a casting vote, no decision was arrived at. But the Duke of Leinster was determined that the Kildare Infirmary should be secured to the people. He lost no time in pressing the matter home, for within a few weeks he completely carried his point at Athy, where the Assizes were then alternately held.
 
The Kildare Infirmary was to be again re-opened, and the next meeting of the Governors was held on July 1st, 1819, in the town of Kildare, to push on the project. They resolved that the Infirmary should be prepared as speedily as possible, and a committee for this purpose was appointed. Fourteen days later at a subsequent meeting the Infirmary was formally taken over by the Governors on terms as follows—“That buildings used as an Infirmary at Kildare be now accepted at a pepper corn rent and during such time as it shall be used as an Infirmary.” This gives the substance of the original lease as can be seen by a case stated for Governors and given in the minute book.
 
Seeing the deep interest and the generous spirit with which successive Dukes of Leinster have directed and guarded this Institution for over a century of its history, have not the present promoters reason to confidently hope for a restoration of the lease on [the – sic] above terms when the present Duke of Leinster attains his majority?
 
As we have seen the Infirmary was again in the hands of the Governors. The Committee was using all expedition fitting up the Infirmary. No more patients were to be taken in at Naas after January 2nd, 1818; as it was then believed Kildare would have been ready by February following. The house at Naas was handed over to Trustees to be held as a fever hospital. On February 26th, 1818, Surgeon Tomlinson was appointed to the Infirmary, and was to reside in the town of Kildare. The actual reception of patients seems not to have been earlier than March of this year. With the Infirmary again working its subsequent history, down to the year 1900, is one unbroken record of additions, improvements, alterations. The original buildings were immensely enlarged, apartments provided for the Surgeon within the house, a new laundry built, fresh grounds acquired. Finally, a magnificent residence is built for the Surgeon at a considerable public cost. The last entry on the last written page is an approval of repairs just carried out in accordance with the Surveyor’s instructions.
 
From its re-opening in 1817 the harmonious working of the Infirmary is long undisturbed, save by one incident in 1827. A mis-understanding unfortunately arose between the Gover­nors and the Duke of Leinster regarding the rent received by the latter during the term of military occupation. It led to the “case stated.” The Governors were advised that they had no grounds for their claims against the Duke, and thus the matter was allowed to drop. Until we reach the last decade of the Infirmary’s existence we do not again touch on any break in its record of progress. Hlere an expression of sadness and regret begins to mark the closing page.
 
As this outline is gleaned from the written record of the Governors, it is but natural that it should conclude in the light which controls, and in the spirit which animates, their final resolutions. To act otherwise—to go and seek elsewhere for reasons and motives that might provoke class hatred, and religious feeling, would not only, not promote, but actually impede, the object in view. Such a course would be deservedly and univer­sally condemned. In their effort to avail of the present offer of the Trustees of the Leinster Estate, the promoters of the re-opening of the Kildare Infirmary have all along proclaimed that their desire is, to relieve thus a public distress, to secure thus a public property. How real this distress, those who witness it, and those who experience it can best tell. How valuable the property now at stake, those who know it, or those who may be able to competently estimate it, can best say. It is noble, it is patriotic, it is Christian to work as one for the common good. No appea1 can so touchingly plead for this re-opening as the recorded expression of the Old Governors. With the experience of the past, with the prospect of the future before them, they viewed the threatened closing as a ”calamity.” Shall they not now, with us, welcome the promised re-opening as a true blessing.
 
Infirmary Booklet Cover 72dpi.JPG
HISTORY IN BRIEF.
 
 
A diary of dates with a century of facts.
 
How the Infirmary gradually grew by public support.
 
Headings from resolutions in Governor’s Minute Book.
 
Details of public expenditure not fully available.
 
County Books not to be found in public Record Office, Dublin.
 
Enough to show why the people should value the Leinster offer.
 
1767-
Mar.
31.
Resolved at Naas that an Infirmary be established at Kildare.
    " 
Oct.
 
House taken in Nugent's-lane, Kildare, S.E. corner as a Temporary Infirmary. Looking for a lease. 1st Surgeon, F. Noah Gervais.
1772-
 
 
A New Infirmary absolutely necessary. House in ruins.
1773-
 
 
Dr. F. Noah Gervais resigns.
1773-
July
1.
Dr. Percy Bagot elected.
1775-
Oct.
20.
Lady Louisa Connolly has a plan adopted of new Infirmary.
 
 "
31.
Meetings in Merrion-street, Dublin. Contract given to Mr. Owens for ₤1,140.
1777-
Apr.
22.
Mr. Spencer to take out lease for new Infirmary.
1778-
 
 
New building occupied. New contract given to Mr. Owens.
1796-
 
 
Surgeon Bagot sells his interest to Dr. Abm. Bolton for ₤400.
1796-
 
 
Dr. Abm. Bolton elected.
1797-
 
 
Captain Frayne by Government orders seizes the Infirmary.
1797-
 
 
Infirmary at Naas.
1799-
 
 
Duke of Leinster to protest against Government seizing and holding Kildare Infirmary as a Barracks.
1817-
Jan.
18.
Infirmary opened at Maynooth.
    "
June
17.
Resolved at Maynooth (a)Kildare is place for Infirmary; (b), let Duke of Leinster's offer be accepted; (c)) call a General Meeting. [(b), - sic] [(c)) - sic]
    "
 
 
Meeting at Naas; Duke's offer; equal division; no casting vote.
    "
 
 
At Athy Duke carries his point, Kildare to be re-opened.
    "
 
 
Surgeon Bolton resigns.
 
July
1.
At Kildare again. Prepare Infirmary as speedily as possible.
 
 "
15.
Buildings taken over "at pepper corn rent" while used as Infirmary.
 
Jan.
2.
No more patients to be taken at Naas after Jan. 5. Let Surgeon reside at Kildare.
 
Feb.
18.
House at Naas (Mrs. Fennell's) to be handed over to Trustees. [Obviously should be 1818 Feb. 18. - sic]
 
Feb.
26.
Surgeon Tomlinson appointed to Kildare Infirmary.
1819-
Mar.
18.
Have plans and estimate ready for next Assize.
1820-
June
29.
Additional buildings lately erected well finished. Ask ₤200 at next Assize.
1820-
Oct.
26.
Misses Bolton Memorial sent down by Earl Talbot.
1827-
 
 
Controversy between Governors and Duke of Leinster regarding rent received.
1829-
Mar.
11.
Case stated by Wm. Saurin.
1833-
 
 
Father Brenan a Governor at ₤21.
1834-
 
 
Spouts erected all round house.
1835-
Mar.
16.
Pay rent due to Duke.
    "
June
29.
Dr. Tomlinson died. New Surgeon must live in town, not in Infirmary.
    "
July
23.
Dr. Geoghegan elected Surgeon.
 
Dec.
21.
Make application at next Special Sessions for improvements and additions.
1836-
Jan.
11.
Dr. Geoghegan to get No. 1 and 2 Rooms to live in.
 
Apr.
18.
Mr. Langon to submit plans for alterations.
 
May.
18.
Plans recommended to Special Sessions and Grand Jury at ₤350.
 
Oct.
17.
County Surveyor to submit plans.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 10:21 PM