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nursing provisions.
Measles, etc.—The Corporation has approved of the expenditure of £25 per annum in
respect of the nursing of complicated cases of Measles, Encephalitis Lethargica and Cerebrospinal
Fever, and have also agreed to expend the sum of £30 on provision of medical assistance
and nursing attendance in necessitous cases of Influenza. No action was necessary under
this heading during 1930.
TYPHOID FEVER AND SHELLFISH.
One instance of suggested association of Typhoid Fever with the consumption of shellfish
was brought to my notice during 1930. A resident in one of the adjoining metropolitan
boroughs was reported as suffering from Typhoid Fever and, through enquiries made locally,
it was ascertained that the patient had eaten winkles some little while before being taken ill.
The winkles in question were purchased in Billingsgate Market, where it was found
that it was not possible to identify the source, since the dealer received his supplies from
various parts of England, Scotland and Ireland.
The attention of the Fishmonger's Company was directed to the incident, however,
as that Authority are conducting a special examination of raw winkles on their arrival in
London. I am informed by the Clerk to the Company that in no instance was there any
suggestion of the presence of any members of the Typhoid Group in the raw winkles examined.
distribution of diphtheria anti-toxin and anti-influenza vaccine.
Although City medical practitioners are well aware of the facilities available, no applications
for supplies of diphtheria anti-toxin or anti-influenza vaccine were received during 1930.
Examination for Pathogenic Bacteria.—During the year the following specimens were so
dealt with. It will be seen that positive results were obtained in about 24 per cent, of these
cases. Result.
Specimen. Disease suspected. Positive. Negative.
46 Swabbings from throats Diphtheria 8 37
23 Sputa Tuberculosis 5 18
This is the first year since the practice was adopted that no swabbings from throats
were received from the Central Foundation School for Girls, Spital Square, E.C.
provision of insulin.
In accordance with the request made by the Authorities of the University College
Hospital, Insulin has been supplied to one patient residing in the City, who attended that
hospital. The Corporation has power to make this provision under Section 77 of the Public
Health (London) Act, 1891, but, so far as I am aware, this is the first occasion on which those
powers have been put into operation. The sanction of the Ministry of Health was obtained,
but this was limited to a period of twelve months, and certain requirements were attached
to the consent. At the moment of writing this report, application is being made to the
Minister for extension of the period. The arrangement has worked very satisfactorily.
temporary isolation accommodation.
The removal of the Special Centre for the treatment of Venereal Diseases from 20-21,
Golden Lane, has enabled that building to again revert to the purpose for which it was
originally erected, i.e., a shelter for temporary accommodation in connection with infectious
diseases, and for isolation and observation purposes in connection with Small-pox contacts.
The premises reserved for this purpose during the past few years at 29, Middlesex Street,
have now been vacated. Part of 20-21, Golden Lane are also used as residential quarters
for one of the Sanitary Inspectors attached to my staff, in order that there shall be such an
officer readily available in case of emergency.
TUBERCULOSIS.
The hours at which the Dispensary was open for diagnosis and treatment of Tuberculosis
during the year was subject to slight alteration to those at which it was open in past years,
and such alteration has been found to be both convenient to the Hospital and an advantage
to the patients.
The new hours are:—
Tuesdays 12.30 p.m.—2.30 p.m.
2.30 p.m.—4.30 p.m. For the Artificial Pneumothorax Clinic.
Wednesdays 5.0 p.m.—7.0 p.m.
Fridays 11.30 a.m. (New cases only.)
„ 2.0 p.m.—3.0 p.m.