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37
phthisis.
In Table 23 will be found the corrected rates for the different Wards of the Borough.
In Church Ward only was last year's rate (1.48) below the mean rate for 1901-03 (1.52), but
in every Ward the "corrected" rates were below the " standard," some notably so, e.g.,
Lancaster Gate (West) Ward, standard rate 1.84; rate for 1901, 0.47; mean rate, 0.44.
The "standard" rate, it will be seen, is highest in the Lancaster Gate Wards (1.84 in
each), both these wards having the lowest "corrected" rates (0.47 and 0.76). In these
Wards the proportions of inhabitants, both those "overcrowded" and those occupying homes
of less than five rooms, are the lowest of the series. "Overcrowding" and small homes are
most common in Church Ward, where the "corrected " rates are also highest.
Enquiries, with offers to disinfect the deceased's room and goods, are made after every
death of residents from consumption. Information sufficient for tabulation was obtained
with reference to 137 deaths. Enquiries were also made with reference to 32 cases reported
to the Department during the patients' lifetime. Of these 32 patients, 16 died during
the year.
Of the 137 fatal cases investigated, in 55 histories of tubercular diseases in other
members of the family were obtained, and in 64 the previous occurrence of the disease was
denied. As regards the remaining 18 cases, no definite particulars could be given. In 88
instances the infectious nature of "Consumption" was not known, but in some of these
families precautions against the spread of infection were carried out—in 36 cases only did it
appear that nothing was done in this direction.
Disinfection by the Department was carried out at 104 premises, only 10 definitely
declining the offer. Twenty-three cases, however, came to the knowledge of the Department
so long after the deceased had gone to the hospital where death occurred that disinfection
appeared to be useless.. Domestic cleansing with re-decoration of the deceased's room is
urged after disinfection. Where the paper and paint are good, the former is rubbed down
with dough and the latter washed with strong soda.
Of the 32 cases reported during life, the particulars relating to the 16 which terminated
during the year are included in above paragraph. Fifteen of the surviving patients belonged
to consumptive families. The infectious nature of the disease was known to six of the
patients' families, but precautions were being taken in 8 families. The homes of 12 of
the patients were disinfected and cleansed during the year.
Housing.—The 137 deaths occurred in the same number of homes, comprising—
40 homes of one room, occupied by 58 inhabitants, 4 being under 10 years of age.
33 „ two rooms „ 137 „ 26 „ „ „
34 „ three rooms „ 157 „ 27 „ „ „
14 „ four rooms „ 62 „ „ „
10 „ five or more rooms „ 76 „ 10 „ „ „
The average number of persons per room in each class of home and the average for the
whole Borough (Census 1901) are given below:—
Homes of one room, phthisis homes, 1.4—whole Borough, 1.8.
„ two rooms „ „ 2.0 „ „ 1.7.
„ three rooms „ „ 1.5 „ „ 1.3.
„ four rooms „ „ 1.1 „ „ 1.2.
All the above „ „ 1.5 „ „ 1.4.
. The Medical Superintendent of the Workhouse Infirmary now reports each case on admission, so that it
will be possible to offer disinfection promptly.