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17
MEASLES.
The customary arrangements were made for dealing with the bi-annual epidemic of
measles in schools, and in Appendix F will be seen a copy of a communication which was
handed, through the head teachers, to parents of all children entering Infants' Departments
of schools where measles was reported, directing attention to the importance of early treatment
of the malady. At the same time all mothers attending the Infant Welfare Centre
were similarly advised.
SUMMARY OF SMALL-POX FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER, 1933.
The customary disinfection, where necessary, was carried out, and those persons, resident
or employed in the City, who had been in contact with cases of Small-pox, were supervised.
The total number of cases (including missed cases) notified or reported to this Department
during the period ended 31st December, 1933, was 34.
The total number of persons in contact with cases ascertained or notified during the
period ended 31st December, 1933, was 490.
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 1933.
DISTRIBUTION OF DIPHTHERIA ANTI-TOXIN AND ANTI-INFLUENZA VACCINE.
Although City medical practitioners are well aware of the facilities available, only one
application for supplies of diphtheria anti-toxin was received during 1933.
No applications in regard to anti-influenza vaccine were received.
EXAMINATION OF PATHOGENIC BACTERIA.
Any medical practitioner desiring examination of specimens for pathogenic bacteria
in cases of suspected infectious disease occurring amongst their patients residing in the
City may forward them to me at the Guildhall. Arrangements have been made for free
examination, and the result obtained is communicated immediately to the medical practitioner
in attendance. During the year, the following specimens were so dealt with.
It will be seen that positive results were obtained in 7.5 per cent. of these cases.
Disease Suspected. Result.
Specimens. Positive. Negative.
28 Swabbings from throats Diphtheria 2 26
12 Sputa Tuberculosis 1 11
PROVISION OF INSULIN.
In accordance with the request made by the Authorities of the University College
Hospital, Insulin has been supplied to one patient resident in the City, and in attendance
at that hospital. The Corporation have power to make this provision under Section 77
of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, with the approval of the Ministry of Health, but,
so far as I am aware, this is the first patient in regard to whom such powers have been put
into operation. The arrangement has worked satisfactorily.
PUBLIC HEALTH (PREVENTION OF TUBERCULOSIS) REGULATIONS, 1925.
It has not been necessary during the year to take any action in regard to the abovementioned
Regulations, which provide for the exercise of some control over persons suffering
from Tuberculous affections and who are engaged in certain occupations associated with the
milk trade.
TUBERCULOSIS DISPENSARY.—TRAINING OF HEALTH VISITORS.
The facilities available at the Tuberculosis Dispensary are placed at the disposal of the
College of Nursing in order that that body can give to their health-visitor students a short
course of practical experience in tuberculosis work as undertaken by a tuberculosis nurse.
This should prove of considerable value in all future training of health visitors.
POST-GRADUATE NURSING COURSE.
With the approval of your Committee, your Tuberculosis Sister and Health Visitor
attended a special post-graduate course of nursing organised by the College of Nursing in
June last.