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Dental Treatment.— Twelve sessions were held at the Dispensary, at which there were 45 attendances. In
one case the Council made a grant towards the cost of dentures required by a patient who could not afford
them, and in respect of which a grant was not available from any other source.
Extra Nourishment.—Ninety-three grants were made under the Council's Scheme. These are usually for a
period of three months, or until admission to hospital or sanatorium. Before rationing came into force the
standard grant was 1 pint of milk and 1 egg daily and half-pound butter weekly, but of these commodities,
milk is now the only one available to tuberculous patients on priority grounds, and up to two pints a day
may be allowed.
Beds and Bedding.—In certain instances, where it is desirable that separate sleeping arrangements should be
made, beds and bedding are supplied on loan by the Council. Three sets were supplied for this purpose
during the year.
Artificial Pneumothorax Refills.—During the year 1,013 refills were given at the Paddington Dispensary,
and 116 at the St. Mary's Hospital Dispensary during the nine months it was open. In some instances,
for clinical reasons or a patient's inability to attend the local dispensary, arrangements are made for refills
to be given at outlying hospitals. During 1944,. 113 refills were so given to 10 patients at a standard charge
of 10/6 per refill.
Diabetes—In two cases insulin was supplied free of charge under the terms of Ministry of Health Circular No.
2734. This Circular gives general sanction for the provision of insulin to the poorer inhabitants of the district
"until the termination of the present war."
Mortuary.—The number of bodies deposited was '266.
Medicinal Baths & Disinfecting Station.—Although the total number of persons who received treatment at the
Medicinal Baths during 1944 was approximately the same as for the previous year, the number of verminous
cases were more than double, i.e. 214 as against 99. This was due, in all probability, to the increase in the number
of people using shelters during the latter part of the year. The number of persons who received treatment for
scabies was 997 (217 males, 780 females), to whom 2,142 treatments were given. The amount of work now being
carried out in connection with the treatment of verminous persons emphasises the need for a larger and more
convenient establishment, and plans are in hand with this object in view.
The approximate weight of bedding treated in the disinfecting station after infectious disease or vermin was
17½ tons. In addition about 4½ tons in use by the Civil Defence Services passed through the Disinfector.
The number of rooms disinfected after the occurrence of infectious disease was 276, and 210 library books
were dealt with.
Cleansing of Verminous Rooms.—On the 27th January, 1944, the Council decided to institute a Fumigation
Service, but owing to the difficulty in obtaining suitable labour the scheme did not start until the middle of July,
when two men (ex-Civil Defence Wardens) were engaged. When not fully employed on these duties, as is the
case during the colder months, their services are utilised in connection with rat repression, the necessary financial
adjustment being made.
The charges fixed by the Council are: £1 for a room not exceeding 1,000 cubic feet, plus 4/6 for each
additional 1,000 cubic feet or part thereof. Up to the end of the year 122 rooms had been dealt with in addition
to several Civil Defence premises. The charges amounted to £181, the cost of the labour and materials involved
being approximately £173.
The method of fumigation used renders it unnecessary, except in rare instances, for wallpaper or woodwork
to be removed, and the results have been very satisfactory, a further complaint of bug infestation having been
received in only one instance. The process has also been used successfully against cockroaches.
Rent & Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Acts.—Only one application was received, and a certificate was issued.
Factories Act, 1937.—Visits numbered 280. Infringements of the Act discovered were remedied without recourse
to the service of notices.
Bakehouses.—Inspections numbered 172. At the end of the year the number of level bakehouses was 14 and
basement bakehouses 25, being one basement bakehouse less than the previous year.
Shops Acts Inspections of all kinds numbered 476. No exemption certificates were applied for, and no legal
proceedings were necessary.