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For the first time in England and Wales, in 1959 there were
no deaths from diphtheria; confirmed cases notified amounted to 102,
which was an increase of 22 over 1958. In 1960 there were
unfortunately, 5 deaths and 71 cases, but this compares happily with
the normal pre-war situation when almost 3,000 child deaths were
recorded annually from this disease.
Diphtheria in Hornsey
1901 to 1960
Cases Deaths
1901 - 1910 1177 91
1911 - 1920 988 76
1921 - 1930 1904 52
1931 - 1940 780 27
1941 - 1950 184 1
1951 - 1960 3 1
Measles The number of notified cases was 82, only one being
over the age of 10 years. Only one child was treated
in hospital. All cases made uneventful recoveries and there were
no deaths.
LABORATORY SERVICES
The Public Health Laboratory Service provides a comprehensive
service for the bacteriological examination of specimens submitted by
general medical practitioners and local authorities. The Health
Department is the collection centre for specimens submitted by medical
practitioners in Hornsey and containers are obtainable from the
department during office hours.
Specimens are collected daily at approximately 3.30 p.m., and
10.30 a.m. on Saturdays, but they may be sent direct to the laboratory
at Coppetts Wood Hospital up to 5 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays and
12 noon on Saturdays. A 24-hour emergency service is maintained
by the Central Public Health Laboratory, Colindale.
The following is a summary of reports made on Hornsey
patients for general practitioners during 1960:-
Sputum 45
Nose and throat swab 192
Throat swab 2
Per nasal swab 1
Faeces 826
Water 3
Urine 69
Miscellaneous foods 13
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