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33
The arrangements with respect to the keeping," distribution
and use of the Diphtheria Anti-toxin shall be made in accordance
with the advice of the Medical Officer of Health.
To prevent misapprehension it should be observed that the
free distribution of Diphtheria Anti-toxin, which is authorised by
the Order, must not be regarded as a substitute for removal to
hospital of a patient suffering from diphtheria, nor as implying
that the patient to whom Anti-toxin has been administered may
properly be retained for treatment at home, unless means are
available for his efficient isolation to the satisfaction of the
Medical Officer of Health.
The prompt administration of Anti-toxin before the patient
is removed to hospital may, if delay in removal is inevitable, go
far towards preventing the attack of diphtheria from being fatal.
It has been decided by the Council to store a supply of
Anti-toxin in the Public Health Department at the Council Offices
and at the Isolation Hospital. If the patient be subsequently
removed to hospital no charge is made, but if the case is nursed
at home the Anti-toxin is to be replaced and a charge of one
shilling made if the Council's syringe is used. The following
letter has been sent to all the doctors practising in the
district:—
Dear Sir,
Arrangements have been made by the Council for the
storage and distribution of Anti-toxin in cases of Diphtheria.
A supply of Anti-toxin is kept at the Council Offices and at the
Isolation Hospital for the use of Medical Practitioners in the
district.
Where a case of Diphtheria occurs among the poorer
inhabitants the Anti-toxin and the use of the Syringe are
supplied free of charge.
Where a case of Diphtheria is being nursed [at home the
Anti-toxin must be replaced, and a charge of one shilling will
be made if the Council's Syringe is used.
Yours faithfully,
D. J. THOMAS,
Medical Officer of Health.