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1919]
56
have been brought into contact, that applications are also made by soldiers
who are sent by the medical men in attendance on them for scabies, and
finally that the Local Government Board's Circular asks for provision to be
made for the treatment of persons suffering from scabies and itch. He also
pointed out that recently when a case of Small Pox made its appearance he
was compelled to forego the use of the shelter house for the isolation of contacts,
with the result that daily visits had to be paid to the house to inquire
as to the health of its inmates, and to carry out the disinfection of the house
while the contacts were still there, and as the critical period was approached he
himself had to visit at the home very frequently. At this time he also recommended
the erection of baths for cleansing.
Again in June the Medical Officer of Health reported to the
Committee that the Ministry of Health was of opinion that something might
be done at the Islington Institution, but that he strongly objected to the
proposal, as the baths were not suitable. Later on, Dr. Manby, of the Ministry
visited the baths at the disinfecting station and also those at the Islington
Institution, with the result that on the 17th July, the following letter was
received from the Ministry:—
Ministry of Health,
Whitehall, S.W.,
16th July, 1919.
Sir,
I am directed by the Ministry of Health to advert to your letter of the
17th ultimo, and to state that they have had under consideration a report
by their Inspector Dr. E. P. Manby, after his recent visit to Islington
in connection with the arrangements made by the Borough Council for
the bathing of verminous children.
The Ministry are advised that the suggested arrangements for the
disinfection at the St. John's Road Institution would not be suitable for
tne use of persons other than those about to be admitted to the Institution,
and they would urge the Borough Council to provide at an early date a
suitable cleansing station of their own.
The Ministry are further advised that the use of the Borough
Council's small pox shelter as a cleansing station is open to objection
except as a temporary expedient, as it is desirable that the shelter should
always be ready for the reception of contact cases, etc.
I am,
Your obedient servant,
H. O. Stutchbury.
The Town Clerk.