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30
Scarlet Fever.
In the autumn months the admission from this disease were
heavy. The maximum number of cases of this disease accommodated
the Wards, was 42. I do not know of any case (except the
fatal one) in which there were any sequelae, and only 3 which
suffered from Albuminuria. A Discharging Ward is greatly
needed.
Diphtheria.
The Diphtheria Wards in the later months of the year being
utilized for Scarlet Fever cases, Diphtheria patients had to be accommodated
elsewhere, or isolated as well as possible at home.
Another Ward is wanted at the Hospital for this disease.
Enteric Fever.
Abundant evidence was forthcoming as to the necessity for removal
of these cases. Great difficulty was experienced in finding
room for them anywhere, consequently the disease spread from
one to another. No less than 23 cases were traceable to infection
in this way.
In the autumn the Electric Light was laid on to the Ward,
Nurses Rooms, and the oil lamps in Grounds were also done away
with and electric light substituted. This has been a great benefit.
Hospital Sewage Disposal.—The amount being small some
difficulty is found in getting the coke filters to act. A fresh
arrangement is now being tried, which is likely to prove more
successful.
General Remarks.
I need hardly say that the year 1901 has been a most arduous
one for the whole of the Sanitary Staff. In the autumn the notifications
of Scarlet Fever and Enteric Fever were abnormally
heavy, and with a Small Pox Epidemic in London, the outlook
was anything but cheerful. On the other hand there is evidence
of progress in the healthiness of the town. The death rate is
lower, and whilst there have been a good number of cases the
fatality has been remarkably low, thus shewing that the type of
disease has been mild.