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4 Causes of Sickness.
No special causes of sickness fall to be discussed. It is worthy of
note, however, that in 1921, the ordinary notifiable infectious diseases
reached a higher numerical level than ever before.
The incidence of influenza in the early part of the year in the town
coincided with that over the whole country. It was not noteworthy in
any particular way other than that the disease was generally of a mild
type characterised by frequent relapses, but with a low mortality rate.
During the year two outbreaks of epidemic jaundice were investigated;
the blood of rats found in the houses or in adjoining premises
was examined, but no parasites were found. None of the cases were
fatal.
5. Summary (for reference) of Nursing Arrangements, Hospitals
and other Institutions available for the district.
(A) Professional Nursing in the Home.—(a) General.—Croydon
Nursing Service. During 1921 there was established in Croydon a
nursing service on lines which were advocated by the Medical Officer of
Health some years ago. This is at present of relatively small dimensions,
but is growing, and the organisation is such that with growth the
service will supply the needs of the whole population of the town in
future. It is especially to be noted that the service is being developed
on lines which will make it very largely self-supporting. The major
portion of the clientele is being arranged for through an insurance
scheme and provident clubs. This will cover in time the whole working
class population and the group of the population immediately above that.
The service, however, covers all classes of the community, those able to
do so paying fees on the ordinary recognised scales. The nurses provided
are visiting nurses and do not live in the patients' houses.
(b) For Infectious Diseases.—One health visitor is specifically
appointed to the Public Health Department for the nursing of tuberculosis
cases in their own homes. No other provision of home nursing
is done by the Department, but the health visitors either in connection
with maternity and infant work, or school work, regularly advise the
parents as to the nursing and other general care of children.
(B) Midwives.—No midwives are employed, or subsidised, by the
Public Health Authority.
There are thirty-five midwives practising in the Borough.
(See page 53).