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62
There is one outstanding feature of the work required by the Borough, and
that is the extraordinary decline in the number of specimens submitted for
examination for tuberculosis. The sputum specimens have more or less steadily
decreased in the last four years from 2,648 in the year 1934 to only 1,517 in the
year 1938. On the other hand, the diphtheria swabs, which require more elaborate
treatment have actually increased somewhat from 2,731 in 1934 to 3,080 in 1938.
This diminution in the sputum specimens submitted appears to be due entirely
to the increase in the diagnosis of tuberculosis by means of X-ray examination
in the tuberculosis dispensary. The number of specimens received for examination
for tubercle bacilli from the general practitioners of the Borough remains about
constant.
At the time of the recent alarm in connection with typhoid a number of
specimens of faeces were received for examination for organisms of the typhoid
group, but I am happy to report that all received from doctors in this Borough
were negative.
The emergency service provided for the needs of doctors late at night and on
public holidays continues to be used extensively. Many swabs are received and
cultured between 9 p.m. and midnight and on Bank Holidays.
GUY BOUSFIELD, M.D., B.S. Lond.,
Borough Bacteriologist
Prevention of Blindness.
The London County Council is the Authority discharging the
duties in connection with the welfare of blind persons.
Disinfecting and Cleansing Stations.
The new Disinfecting and Cleansing Stations which formed part
of the Council's reconstruction scheme of the Peckham Park Road
Depot became available for service in November last. The new
Station includes accommodation for a disinfecting station divided
into infected and disinfected sides separated by a glazed brick wall.
The old plant has been replaced by two modern type circular disinfectors
and other up-to-date equipment has been installed in the
building, viz. : a sterilising and washing machine, a power hydro,
a power mangle and drying horses. There are also well-appointed
bathrooms, dressing and waiting rooms, offices and mess room
provided in this modern and well-designed building.