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SCABIES.
C.8.
The scheme for th treatment of Scabies was continued throughout
the year 1943. and combined this year with facilities to combat
infestation by head-lice.
The scheme is a flexible one dependent upon primary notifications
from individual private practitioners, the school clinic and the
other clinics held in the Borough. Scabies is not notifiable in
Erith so that the following figures reveal the extent of the cooperation
which the department has received.
The procedure in Erith has been considerably simplified in that
upon notification of - definite Cases a Nurse Visitor visits the premises
arranges for the treatment of the patient, requests the attendance of
all contacts at the next skin clinic for the purpose of examination and
treatment if necesary, and advises generally.
With a view to the prevention of Scabies etc. amongst industrial
employees, th_ service of disinfecting bedding etc. has been offered
to the managements of the local factories. The response continues to
become overwhelming on occasions, but the system has worked
satisfactorily.
In very few instances during 1943 was it necessary to apply any
pressure at all to secure the attendance of contacts as described.
At the begining of 1943 females were treated at the First Aid
Post Cleansing Station, and males at the Sanatorium Cleansing station
but in the early weeks of 1943 the splitting of the staff caused some
difficulties and with additional equipment the treatment was concentrated
at the First Aid Peat Cleansing Station. .
It should be mentioned that apart from the Assistant Medical Officer
the treatment of these cases is undertaken entirely by Civil Defence
personnel attached to the First Aid Post in accordance with London Region
Circular 660 and the following figures reveal the extent to which their
services have been utilised in this connection.