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7
appreciate the difficulty I have experienced in carrying on this part of
the work without the aid for three-and-a-half months of the year of an
Assistant Medical Officer, Clerk or Dispenser at the Dispensary.
The extended table on Tuberculin treatment is not meant to give
definite results of that particular mode of treatment, but to form a basis
for future reports when more accurate and definite results can be shown.
It must be understood that I cannot at the present time express any
definite opinion as to the value of tuberculin in the treatment of tuberculosis.
Although tuberculin may in the hands of those skilled in its use
prove serviceable, I can quite readily believe that it has lost none of its
potentiality to do harm.
Infectious Diseases.
There has been a marked increase in the prevalence of scarlet fever
chiefly in the north, north-west and east wards, which has been epidemic
in character during the last four months of the year. 233 more
cases have been notified than in the previous year, but I am
pleased to say the type of the disease was generally of a mild character.
Typhoid Fever has been slightly more prevalent, but is just
half the average for the past ten years. Measles has also been more
prevalent, but I consider that the compulsory notification of this disease
would be quite valueless unless during epidemic periods the local
authority take the advice tendered by the Local Government Board and
provide additional assistance, medical or otherwise. Diphtheria was
also more prevalent, the "carrier" question being a source of great
difficulty.
Staff.
I have pleasure in reporting that the Staff of the Public Health
Department have carried out their duties in a satisfactory and conscientious
manner. In June last the department sustained a loss owing to the
resignationof theAssistant Medical Officer of Health, Dr. W. Scarisbrick,
who during the comparatively short period he was in Deptford was of
great assistance to the Council, more particularly in connection with the
working of the Tuberculosis Dispensary.
In conclusion, I beg to thank the Council for their kind and courteous
consideration in connection with matters affecting this department which
have arisen during the period under report.
I have the honour to remain, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
W. H. Whitehouse.