View report page

74
child, it would in our opinion be best to leave the parent free to
accept or reject this offer.
Sam. Whitbread.
W. J. Collins.*
John A. Bright.
J. Allanson Picton.*
* Note.—Dr. Collins and Mr. Picton sign the above note of
reservation, though they have not signed the Reports.
After giving in detail their grounds of objection to compulsory
vaccination the dissentient Commissioners, Dr. Collins and Mr.
Picton, make the following recommendations. The whole of
their report was given in extenso in the annual report for 1896.
In accordance with the sub-head No. 2 of the reference to
the Commission, we would suggest the following as the means
other than vaccination which should be employed for protection
of a community from small-pox—
1. Prompt notification of any illness suspected to be smallpox.
Improved instruction in the diagnosis of small-pox.
v
2. A hospital, suitably isolated, of adequate accommodation,
in permanent readiness, and capable of extension if
required. No other disease to be treated at the same
time in the same place.
3. A vigilant sanitary staff, ready to deal promptly with first
cases, and, if necessary to make a house-to-house inspection.
The medical officer of health to receive such remuneration
as to render him independent of private practice.
4. Prompt removal to hospital by special ambulance of all
cases which cannot be properly isolated at home.
Telephonic communication between Health Office and
Hospital.
5. Destruction of infected clothing and bedding, and thorough
disinfection of room or house immediately after removal
of the patient.