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12
The number of notifications received was equal to an annual rate of 9.4
per 1000 inhabitants, as compared with 9.0 in 1894, 16.2 in 1893, and 12.0 in 1892.
There was a decrease in the number of notifications of small-pox, diphtheria, and
puerperal fever, whilst scarlet fever, erysipelas and typhoid fever notifications were
increased as compared with 1894. The deaths from notifiable infectious diseases
numbered 117 as against 123 in 1894. The deaths from scarlet fever and typhoid
fever were increased, whilst those from diphtheria were diminished.
Of the 1157 notified cases of infectious diseases 541 or 46.7 per cent. were
removed to hospitals, as compared with 556 or 50 per cent. in 1893. Erysipelas and
puerperal fever cases are not receivable into the hospitals of the Metropolitan
Asylums Board; if these be deducted 56.7 per cent. of the cases which were notified
in the parish were treated in the hospitals of the Board. In 1894 61.0 per cent.
of the cases receivable in the Board's hospitals were treated therein.
METROPOLITAN ASYLUMS BOARD.
Owing to the continued prevalence of scarlet fever and diphtheria in the Metropolis,
and the increasing demands for admission to the hospitals of the Board, the
accommodation at the disposal of the Managers was for many weeks this year insufficient
to meet the requirements of the public.
In July a letter was received by the Vestry stating that, in consequence of the
available accommodation in the hospitals of the Board being nearly exhausted, new
cases could only be admitted as vacancies occurred through deaths and discharges,
and it was requested that preference might be given to the removal to the Board's
hospitals of those cases which were most urgent by reason of the surroundings and
conditions of life. As far as possible this was attended to: in some cases the removal
was effected with but little delay, but many remained in homes, where isolation was
impossible for several days before they could be taken into the hospitals.
In a letter, dated November 29th, addressed to the Chairman of the Metropolitan
Asylums Board by the Clerk to the Board relative to the difficulties experienced by
the Managers with regard to the accommodation for patients suffering from scarlet
fever and diphtheria, a copy of which was forwarded to the Vestry, I find figures set
forth which shew the extent to which the number of cases yearly admitted to the
hospitals of the Board has increased since 1883.
Thev are as follows:—