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6. Seven or eight years ago a Nursing Association, on the
Provident principle, was established for Brockley and Crofton Park.
This Association is closely associated with the name of that kindly
gentleman, Councillor Aucutt. The Association covers a wide area
and is connected with Ranyard House. One of the nurses is resident
and there is a visiting sister who attends the monthly Committee
meetings. Excellent work is accomplished.
7. The Borough Council pays for the service of a Ranyard Nurse
in certain cases approved by the Medical Officer, such as pneumonia in
children under five years. The fee paid is 1s. 3d. per visit.
(b) Infectious Diseases, Measles, etc.
Practically all cases of the major forms of infectious disease are
sent into hospital. Of the so-called minor diseases, such as measles
and whooping cough, a number are sent to the M. A.B. hospitals. The
Council provides a whole-time nurse during an epidemic of measles,
and the Health Visitors also visit cases. The general rule is that if
the home surroundings are insanitary, overcrowded, etc., or if complications
are threatened, and provided the family doctor is willing (many
can only pay for one visit by a doctor), the patient is sent into hospital.
Circumstances decide the action necessary, thus the services of a
Ranyard Nurse may be requisitioned. Measles became notifiable in
Deptford in September, 1922, so that little time is lost in ascertaining
cases. Information concerning whooping cough is derived mainly
from head teachers. The Health Visitors visit such cases as their
already extensive duties permit. In all cases where any sanitary
defect is found, information is promptly conveyed to the department
for necessary action.
Midwives. These are under the supervision of the London County
Council. There are some nineteen in the Borough, of whom five are
at the Municipal Maternity Home. No subsidy is paid to midwives
locally.
Chemical Work. The report concerning Food and Drugs will be
found in the tables given hereafter.