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52
INCORRECT DIAGNOSIS.
In the following infectious diseases the number of cases returned
from the hospital and certified by the Medical Superintendent as not
suffering from any notifiable infectious disease was:—
In Small-pox 6, out of a total of 40 cases notified—an error of
15 0 per cent.
In Diphtheria 70, out of a total of 354 cases notified—an error
of 197 per cent.
In Scarlet Fever 46, out of a total of 512 cases notified—an
error of 8 9 per cent.
In Enteric Fever 19, out of a total of 122 cases notified—an
error of 15-5 per cent.
This statement does not take into account the large number of cases
seen by the Medical Officer of Health at the request of the medical man
in attendance and found not to be suffering from any notifiable disease.
This consultation work is of daily occurrence, and takes up a considerable
amount of time, but the value of such work so far exceeds the trouble it
entails that no restriction is placed upon it.
RECEPTION HOUSE.
During the past year the Reception House, which affords accommodation
for at least twenty persons at one time, has been of the greatest
service to us. This has been particularly so in regard to Small-pox. It
often occurs in the very early stage of this disease that a definite opinion
cannot be formed, and it is in such cases that a reception house into
which they can be taken and kept, until the diagnosis is made, becomes
of so much value.
The present Superintendent and his wife have done admirable service
since their appointment in the early part of the year.
In non-epidemic times the accommodation is principally used for
persons dislodged whilst their rooms are being disinfected. In the case
of contacts and in those likely to develop infectious disease, food is
provided during their stay in the Reception House. The amount
expended in the year in this way will be seen to have been a small
sum, viz.: £9 7s. 3½d., or about 6d. a day per person maintained.