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23
These and similar general proceedings, although verybeneficial
if pursued systematically and not by fitful
efforts only in the presence of the epidemic, cannot, even
when supported by every care and cleanliness, be alone
effectual against the transfer of infection; a greater and
more special intervention becomes necessary. The most
practical and direct means which the Board possesses for
the prevention of the spread of epidemic diseases is
isolation—the separation of the sick from the healthy
members of families. These means, however, are at
present incapable of any but very partial application.
Large hospitals, intended for the reception of patients
whose abodes extend over a very large area, are scarcely
calculated for such purpose; the distance, in the great
majority of cases, being far too great for immediate and
therefore useful action. In consequence of the many
difficulties involved in the removal of patients to hospital,
relating to time and other circumstances well known to
the Medical Officer of Health, it would appear that
smaller hospitals in smaller areas would be far more
useful on account of their greater facility of access.
Hence (confining the question to the requirements of this
District), it would seem desirable to consider whether the
Infirmary at the Workhouse, which latter should have
nothing in common with a hospital, should not be the
District Hospital, and as such utilized and made available
for the purpose indicated. Under any circumstances, a
more complete system of isolation of patients suffering
from infectious diseases requires development before the
suppression of these diseases—which it has been customary
to regard as the natural inheritance of children, and
which, as is shown annually in these reports, cause about
one fourth of all deaths—can be attempted with any
probability of success.
GEORGE EDWARD NICHOLAS, M.D.,
Medical Officer of Health for Wandsworth.
June, 1871.