Remote & Rural Remedies

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"Survey return from John Smith"

South Ronaldshay.

1851.

RCP/COL/4/8/247

John Smith was a medical practitioner in South Ronaldshay.

South Ronaldsay (also known as South Ronaldshay) was a parish on the Orkney Islands. It contained a small craft harbour St. Margaret's Hope and there were cod, herring and lobster fisheries. In 1868, the population of South Ronaldshay and Burray was approximately 3100.

[[Addressee]]
John Smith Esq
Surgeon
South Ronaldshay
Kirkwall

[[Survey]]
QUERIES

1. How long have you practiced in the locality you at present occupy?

About 18 months

2. What are the ordinary and what the greatest distances which you have to travel in visiting patients?

The ordinary distance by land is from 2 to 3 miles
the greatest six. The greatest distance by sea 12 miles.

3. What means of conveyance do you employ in going long journeys?

Roadway & boating

4. What is the state of the roads in your neighbourhood?

Miserable.

5. Is the position of medical men in general in your quarter improved, or otherwise, of late years?

I would say a little improved.

6. Supposing the people of the Highlands and Islands were generally able to pay for medical
advice, according to rates usually observed in other parts of the kingdom, what extent of
country in your locality would you regard as sufficient to occupy a single practitioner
fully?

The Island of South Ronaldshay and
Burray.

7. Mention, if you please, any special hardships incident to your situation, such as you think
might be remedied by some general measure or enactment?

The greatest hardships
I have to contend with here is the State of
the lands.

"Survey return from John Smith"

South Ronaldshay.

1851.

John Smith was a medical practitioner in South Ronaldshay.

South Ronaldsay (also known as South Ronaldshay) was a parish on the Orkney Islands. It contained a small craft harbour St. Margaret's Hope and there were cod, herring and lobster fisheries. In 1868, the population of South Ronaldshay and Burray was approximately 3100.