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43
resort to the Workhouse Infirmary at the last. There can hardly
be doubt that many of the 111 who died at home lived and died
in poverty, devoid of proper accommodation, of suitable and
adequate supplies, and of efficient nursing; and that they were
for long periods a source of danger to their own families and to
other inmates of the houses in which they lived."
In June, I reported further as follows
"In accordance with your instructions, I have conferred with
the Medical Officers of Health of the adjoining Boroughs of Bethnal
Green (Dr. Bate) and Stoke Newington (Dr. Kenwood), also I
have discussed the question with Dr. Menzies, representing the
London County Council.
"Dr. Menzies stated that the County Council is desirous of seeing
every Borough in London provided with a "Home" where people
in advanced stages of the disease should be housed and made
comfortable. These places should be regarded as "Homes," not
as hospitals, and they should be centrally situated in relation to
the individual Boroughs served by them so as to be readily
accessible to friends and relations who would desire to visit
patients. The Council recognize the fact that a few large institutions,
each centrally situated for a large group of Boroughs,
would not meet the difficulty for the reason that people would
not consent to be removed to any such distance from their homes
as would make it difficult for their friends and relations to visit
them. As to the expenses, although the London County Council
would not contribute to the cost of establishing such a home, i.e.,
towards building one, or towards purchasing a house, they would
contribute towards the cost of its subsequent maintenance.
"If a house were rented, I understand Dr. Menzies to say that
the rent might be regarded as part of the maintenance, and in that
case the County Council could contribute to that also. On his