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NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE.
The work of a Sanitary Authority has no direct relation to this service,
but wherever co-operation is possible such assistance is freely rendered
by the Public Health Department. It is mainly in cases of tuberculosis
under treatment in hospitals and institutions, that arrangements are
necessary in connection with payment of benefits under the Health
Insurance Acts. These arrangements are made by the Tuberculosis Care
Committee and the staff of the Tuberculosis Dispensary, in conjunction
with the appropriate officials of the Health Insurance Service.
LABORATORY FACILITIES.
Analysis of Food and Drugs.—The detailed results of analyses
made during the year will be found appended to this report.
Bacteriological Examinations.—Routine bacteriological examinations
are carried out at the Lister Institute of Preventive Medicine.
Special investigations for the Ante-natal Clinic are carried out at St.
George's Hospital, S.W.1.
Arrangements have also been made with the Clinical Research Association
for the bacteriological examination of samples of milk under the
Milk (Special Designations) Order. Seven specimens were submitted
during the year.
In cases of suspected bacterial food poisoning, samples of the supposed
peccant food, samples of blood, etc., from sufferers, and post-mortem
materials from fatal cases are transmitted to the laboratory of the Ministry
of Health for examination and report.
The number of bacteriological, bacterioscopic and other examinations
carried out during the year was 85. Of these, 59 were for the
bacillus associated with Diphtheria. 13 for the bacillus associated with
Tuberculosis, 2 for the bacillus associated with Enteric Fever and 2
investigations of milk on delivery. In addition, 2 specimens of
the water at the Public Baths were submitted for examination. The
total cost of these services to the Borough Council was £19. 2s. 10d
The total number of bacteriological examinations during the preceding
year was 278
Anti-toxin.—Diphtheria anti-toxin is available at the Town Hall
daily during office hours. It may also be obtained at the premises of
Messrs. Timmis and Richards, 432, King's Road, S.W., at any hour,
day or night. It is supplied free of charge, both in prophylactic and in
curative doses, to medical practitioners for use in connection with patients
resident in Chelsea. The amount supplied during the year was nil.