THE STAFF

The smooth running of the hospital was ensured by teamwork between religious and secular personnel.

The general service, or administrative service, was handled by a secretary responsible for keeping a record of proceedings, and a treasurer who received and distributed food and items of all kinds. Lastly, there was a collector who took in all income and was in charge of paying expenses. Overseeing them all was an administrative commission.

The medical service comprised surgeons and hospital sisters, including an apothecary sister supervised by a town pharmacist. Doctors were also involved in the hospital. They would come to visit the sick and ensure treatment was being carried out as instructed, while continuing to run their own surgeries in town. The nursing nuns played an essential role within the hospital. Few in number, their workload was a heavy one. In addition to their tasks as supervisors and nurses, they carried out all the daily chores essential to the smooth running of the hospital.

Lastly, religious services were provided by a chaplain who performed duties such as holding masses, hearing confession and delivering the sacraments.