Although conditions in the barracks accounted for a large percentage of sickness, the main culprit for admissions into hospitals was venereal disease, particularly syphilis and gonorrhea. It was thought to be immoral of women to attend to patients so afflicted. Consequently female nurses and regimental wives were not allowed to work in the regimental hospitals. The medical officer was given a permanent staff of soldiers and non-commissioned officers who were exempt from any other duties.
Everything being relative, many soldiers considered themselves better looked after than if they had not enlisted.
Apart from recommendations to make accommodations more comfortable, medical officers identified marriage as a cause of good health among the regular soldiers. There appeared to be fewer cases of venereal diseases, and of other health problems in regiments with a high ratio of married men. Some doctors expressed hope that the army would do all in its power to allow and encourage regular soldiers to marry.
These proposals for reform were suggested not only because of their intrinsic value but also because the army was facing a new chronic problem: recruiting. If the lifestyle and health of the soldiers improved, perhaps many more men would consider joining.
