Health

Dunshaughlin Fever Hospital
©Meath County Library

A doctor, referred to as a medical officer, was employed in March 1841 at a salary of £50 (63) per annum. A year later a nurse was appointed to assist him at £10 (12) per annum. The doctor issued quarterly medical reports listing the number of deaths in that period and any prevalent diseases. In an 1841/2 report he found that the inmates "may be considered in remarkably healthy state".

Thus there is little evidence of emergency or distress until the late 1840s. The annual report for 1846 refers to "the remarkable increase of dysentery which in many cases proved fatal."

By 1848 the more deadly diseases of typhus and cholera became prevalent.

Cholera, in particular, excited great panic and in late 1849 a Cholera Physician, to be assisted by a Board of Health, was appointed in each electoral division.

The physician was paid the not inconsiderable sum of two guineas (2.67) per week.