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6
than balanced by an increase of 133 cases of Diphtheria. The cases of
Diphtheria occurred generally throughout the Borough, no district being
specially affected.
Smallpox broke out in the Borough in March and cases continued
throughout the year. In all 68 cases were notified up to the end of the
year. In May ,Chickenpox was made notifiable and 442 cases were notified.
The extra work entailed in dealing with Smallpox and visiting cases of
Chickenpox has taken up a very considerable amount of time of both
the clerical staff and the inspectorate, with the result that a certain
amount of routine work has necessarily suffered. A detailed statement on
Smallpox will be found on page 90.
As stated in last year's report the Ministry of Health sanctioned
the establishment of a Diphtheria Immunisation Clinic. This Clinic
was opened on 5th June, 1928. The Medical Officer in charge is Dr. F.
Porter-Smith, M.R.C.S. (Eng.), L.R.C.P. (London), who is also in
charge of the Clinic established by the Hackney Borough Council. His
report is given on page 88.
Tuberculosis.—The report of the Tuberculosis Officer is quoted
in extenso.
The number of new cases coming to the knowledge of the Department
again shows a slight decrease.
Maternity and Child Welfare.—This section of the work continues
to increase, the attendances at the ordinary infant consultations as well
as at the special clinics being considerably higher than those of the
year 1927.
The amount of home visiting by the Health Visitors has also increased.
This has been made possible by the appointment of an additional Health
Visitor and, in my opinion, is one of the most satisfactory features of
this year's work.
The report of the Consulting physician in charge of the Observation
Wards is very satisfactory and encouraging, especially when it is seen
that the improvement in the condition of the great majority of the
children is maintained after their returning home. Good work is also
being done at the weekly clinic held in connection with the Wards, and