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An experiment with terminal disinfection for Scarlet Fever,
Measles, Whooping Cough, Dysentery, Food Poisoning,
Diphtheria, Puerperal Pyrexia and Erysipelas has been in
process for about five years. The experiment is based on the
theory that, at the present time, disinfection for any of
these conditions is scientifically unnecessary. I refer to spraying
of rooms only, and to steam disinfection of clothing. An
exception is made in all cases where, for psychological reasons,
it might be indicated.
The analysis of the incidence of cases of these infectious
diseases throughout the London area shows that no greater
number have occured in Hammersmith than anywhere else. In
fact, if anything, incidence is less than in many other Boroughs.
Request for disinfection from relatives are met with an
explanation that it is regarded as unnecessary, and this
explanation is invariably accepted with relief. In cases,
however, where there is some other reason for disinfection it is
done. The total number of such cases does not exceed 20 per
annum.
It is fully realised, however, that should the incidence or
clinical severity in any of these conditions alter for the worse, it
would be necessary to reconsider the advisability of an
experiment of this nature, and the Council's disinfecting
services have been so planned that such a reversal of policy
could be carried out without any delay in that event.
The Council decided during 1949 to appoint an additional
Food and Drugs Inspector, and also to appoint three additional
District Sanitary Inspectors, and two Inspectors for a survey
of housing conditions here.
The decision made by the Council during 1948 to sponsor
the Hammersmith Clean Food Traders' Guild was followed by
its development during 1949 and onwards. In June the
first invitations for membership were sent out, and by
the end of the year 54 traders had been approved for
membership. So far as I am aware, this Guild was the first of
its kind in this country to issue to its members an emblem
which, in the case of employee members, was worn on the
lapel of the jacket or coat. Trader members had display
emblems awarded them, which they are encouraged to exhibit
in prominent positions in their establishments.
The enthusiasm of the trades concerned was such, that
without it, little or no progress could have been made. A
feature of the Guild's work was the considerable amount of
work of improvement carried out in shops, etc.
1949 was, of course, the first whole year in which the
responsibility for maternal and child health was removed from
the Borough Council.