Spanish Influenza - Hamilton Ontario 1918 Part 19

In light of the charges made regarding the oversight of the Sisters of Service volunteer, a response was requested and the Herald fully covered the response:

 “There seems to be some misunderstanding of the work of the S.O.S. and the sort of ladies who would like to assist in this good work. There is an impression that the conditions under which they will asked to work are inimical to their health and safety, and that the work should be done by regular inspectors of the board of health.

“It is because the facilities of normal times are entirely inadequate to cope with an emergency such as the unprecedented epidemic of the ‘flu’ that the S.O.S. came into being.

                   UNDER QUALIFIED NURSES

“The headquarters of S.O.S. organization are at the Y.W.C.A. building, West Main street. The city is divided into districts and each district is under the charge of a qualified nurse. When a call is received these emergency call nurses go into the homes, make an investigation and render such temporary help as seems necessary. They arrange to supply S.O.S. nurses where they are most needed.

                   FREQUENT VISITS

“The S.O.S. nurses are then sent into these homes, if conditions warrant, as quickly as they can be supplied. They are followed up once or twice daily as required, by an inspecting or advising nurse, who sees that they get proper food and supplies and that they understand the orders given by the physician and also assist, where necessary to carry out these orders. It will be seen that in no case are the sisters left in a position of the least uncertainty. The inspecting nurses give all information required and make frequent visits in order that any emergency may be met promptly.

“The diet kitchen work is being done by the Daughters of the Empire, and under the direction of Mrs. Crerar, they are rendering a service of inestimable value. Food is prepared and delivered at home where the conditions do not permit of its preparation in the house.

                   OVER PEAK

“While the virulence of the epidemic has passed the ‘peak,’ there is more distress than at any time since it started. In other words, the disease is now of a less dangerous character and there will be fewer deaths, but there are more cases of the milder type, and whole families are stricken with it. The need for help is more urgent than ever and the prospects are not favorable for better conditions for several weeks.”

“Every Care Taken to Guard S.O.S. Nurses : All Volunteers Work Under Direction of Qualified Nurses : To See That They Are Well Looked After and Get Proper Food”

Hamilton Herald.    October 29, 1918.