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8 7
I am now to forward, for the information of the Sanitary Authority,
the accompanying copy of a memorandum by the Board's Medical
Officer, from which it will be seen that there is reason for Sanitary
Authorities preparing in advance to prevent the extension of any
cholera that may be imported into their districts during the ensuing
season.
The Board last year, in their circular already referred to, called
attention to the powers vested in them under section 134 of the
Public Health Act, 1875, and section 82 (1) of the Public Health
(London) Act, 1891, to issue Epidemic Regulations imposing upon
Sanitary Authorities the duty of making arrangements for the prevention
and treatment of cholera. Those arrangements would
comprise the appointment of Committees for the purpose of carrying
out the Regulations, the division of the Sanitary District into special
areas, the appointment of Medical visitors for the visitation of the
poorer houses, and the detection of cholera and diarrhoea, the supply
of Medical attendance and nursing, and of medicine and disinfectants,
and the provision of dispensaries and of such additional hospitals and
places of refuge as might be necessary for the several parishes and
districts; the hospitals being provided for the reception of those
cholera patients, who could not properly be treated in their own
homes, and the places of refuga for the lodgment of those persons not
actually sick, whom it might be right to keep under observation, or
to accommodate while their homes were either under disinfection, or
were devoted to sick persons who could not properly be removed.
As the Sanitary Authority are aware, the necessity for the issue
of Regulations of this nature happily did not arise last year, but in
view of the possible recurrence of cholera during the approaching
summer and autumn in continental ports with which this country is
in rapid and close communication, the Board think it right that the
Sanitary Authority should take into their early consideration the
question of their readiness to meet any emergency that may arise.
I am, therefore, to request that the Board may be informed, not later
than the first week in the coming month, how far the preliminary
action taken last year, or since decided on by the Sanitary Authority
may be regarded as enabling them without undue delay to perform
the duties, which would devolve on them in the event of the Board
finding it necessary to issue regulations of the kind referred to.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
HUGH OWEN,
Secretary.
To the Clerk to the Sanitary Authority.