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41
A letter was received from the Guardians of Poplar Union,
expressing regret that the general maintenance of Small-pox
Contacts by the Council had been discontinued. The Guardians
suggested that the Council should arrange with Medical Practitioners
notifying cases, to employ a messenger to go to the
Medical Officer of Health or Ambulance Station instead of allowing
Contacts to travel on this business. The Committee directed that
a circular letter be sent to the Medical Practitioners in the Borough
requesting that they should notify Cases by telegram (the cost to
be repaid by the Council) and forward their written notifications
by post. The Committee expressed also disapproval of the practice
of using relatives of patients or other contacts for such services.
The Council of the Metropolitan Borough of Paddington directed
attention to the proposals of the Metropolitan Asylums Board for
establishing an alternative service of ambulances by road between
London and Dartford, for conveyance of Small-pox patients, to
meet possible interruption of river transport in case of fog or ice.
It was pointed out that such a service would involve very heavy
charges, the necessary plant, &c., having to be kept in a state of
efficiency, and a considerable staff maintained to meet any emergency,
while the long journey by road on the occasion of such fogs or
exceptionally severe weather as might prevent river transport,
would be injurious to the patients removed.
The Paddington Council requested the Local Government Board
to refuse their consent to the proposal, and asked the Metropolitan
Asylums Board to reconsider their proposals. The Public Health
Committee concurred with the Paddington Council.
A letter was addressed by the Public Health Committee to the
Metropolitan Asylums Board respecting the danger incurred by
visitors to Small-pox patients. In reply the Metropolitan Asylums