Census research

Census Data

A comparison of the staff and patient population recorded at the Queen’s Hospital for Children in 1911 and 1921.

Between 1911 and 1921 the overall size of the institution remained largely stable, declining only slightly from 208 to 204 individuals. The number of patients decreased marginally from 124 to 121, while total staff numbers remained almost unchanged (84 in 1911 compared with 83 in 1921), indicating a broadly consistent patient-to-staff ratio across the decade. However, changes occurred within the composition of the workforce. The number of nurses increased from 38 to 43, suggesting a shift towards a more medically focused model of care. In contrast, domestic and supervisory roles declined slightly, with maids falling from 22 to 20 and sisters from 13 to 10. Porters also decreased from four to two. Medical practitioners, matrons, and cooks remained constant, while a new role—mechanic—appeared in 1921, possibly reflecting the increasing technological infrastructure of institutional settings. Overall, differences in the data indicates a modest professionalisation of staff, with greater emphasis on nursing and reduced reliance on domestic labour.

1911 Census - Positions

Year

Position

Count

1911

Patient

124

1911

Nurse

38

1911

Maid

22

1911

Sister

13

1911

Medical Practitioner

5

1911

Porter

4

1911

Cook

1

1911

Matron

1


TOTAL

208

1921 Census - Positions

Year

Position

Count

1921

Patient

121

1921

Nurse

43

1921

Maid/Domestic Servant

20

1921

Sister

10

1921

Medical Practitioner

5

1921

Porter

2

1921

Cook

1

1921

Matron

1

1921

Mechanic

1


TOTAL

204

Chart comparing hospital roles in the 1911 and 1921 censusesChart comparing staff and patient totals in 1911 and 1921