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Arrangements have been made to secure admission of these
patients either to Queen Charlotte's Annexe or to the North
Western Hospital, which is controlled by the London County
Council, except when the patient's own practitioner arranges
for treatment elsewhere.
Under the Public Health (Puerperal Fever) Regulations,
a Consulting Obstetrician, Mr. A. Galletly, is available for
assistance to Medical Practitioners within the area.
(g) Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
Two cases of Ophthalmia Neonatorum were notified, one of
which was treated at home, the other at Hospital. Vision was
unimpaired in both instances.
(h) Smallpox.
An arrangement exists between the London County Council
and the Erith Urban District Council for accommodation for
cases of smallpox occurring within the District.
(i) Diarrhoea and Vomiting.
In common with other Districts, Erith experienced a series
of cases of Dysentery, at the latter part of the year, and swabs
of faeces were taken from which the Sonne Bacillus was eventually
isolated in 2 cases.
At the time the first cases were brought to the notice of
this Department, towards the beginning of November, 1937,
the Medical Practitioners were circularised, asking them to
supply details of all cases of Diarrhoea and Vomiting which came
to their notice, and in each of these cases a detailed investigation
was made.
A perusal of the details thus obtained did not reveal any
common source of infection.
C(5). Disinfection of Premises, Bedding, etc., after
Infectious Disease.
The Sanitary Foreman also acts as Infectious Disease
Enquiry Officer and Disinfecting Officer.
Following the removal of cases of infectious disease, tuberculosis,
etc., 193 premises were disinfected, whilst enquiries to
obtain particulars regarding 65 cases of tuberculosis were
undertaken.
In the few instances where patients are isolated at home,
disinfection is carried out at the request of the Medical Practitioner,
who, for the purpose, is supplied with a card stating
that the patient has recovered and the room requires disinfection.