View report page

Sixty five patients were admitted to the hospital as cases of
scarlet fever, of whom two were found after admission to be suffering
from measles, and two from tonsillitis unassociated with a rash.
In three of the thirteen patients admitted as cases of cerebrospinal
meningitis the diagnosis was not confirmed, while a fourth
case was found to be due to tuberculous meningitis and proved
fatal three days after admission.
Out of the six cases of gastro-enteritis admitted there was one
death, a child aged six months, admitted from Maiden. This infant
died six days after admission.
Eighteen patients remained in the hospital at the end of 1945.
twelve of these suffering from scarlet fever, two from diphtheria,
une from poliomyelitis, one from whooping cough and convulsions,
one from gastro-enteritis and one from dysentery.
STAFF.
None of the members of the staff serving with H.M. Forces were
demobilised during the year. There were many changes in the temporary
staff and the work of the Department was carried on under
considerable difficulties. Dr. E. M. Frazer, the Temporary Assistant
Medical Officer, resigned on the 22nd September and Dr. H. D. B.
North was appointed in her place.
The Department suffered a very heavy loss when Mr. R. T.
Avis, the Senior Sanitary Inspector, died in December. He was a
man of outstanding ability who had given many years of most efficient
service to the Corporation. He was an excellent colleague and his
experience and judgment were of the greatest value in dealing with
the day-to-day problems which arose. His passing was deeply
mourned by all members of the staff.
For many months during 1945 Miss Mulhern, the Matron of
the Infectious Diseases Hospital, was seriously ill, having undergone
two major operations. It is with the greatest regret that one has
to record her death which occurred in February of the following year.
The courage with which she carried out her duties at the Hospital
during the three occasions on which it was heavily damaged by
enemy action was an outstanding example to all members "of the
nursing staff.
In concluding this Report I should like to express my deep
appreciation to the Chairman and Members of the Public Health
and Maternity and Child Welfare Committees for the consideration
and courtesy which they have again shown me during 1945.
It is also a great pleasure to draw attention to the help and cooperation
which I have received from all members of the staff.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
HAROLD ELLIS,
Medical Officer of Health.
27