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THE HEALTH OF BARKING
DIARRHOEA IN THE NEW BORN.
In September, 1946, there occurred an outbreak of diarrhoea among newly
born babies at the Upney Maternity Pavilion. Appropriate steps were taken
immediately but, by October 2nd, it was obvious to me there was only one thing to
be done and that was to close the Maternity Pavilion at once.
This outbreak at the hospital was only part of a widespread outbreak which
occurred not only throughout Barking but throughout many parts of Essex. Some
of our own staff were affected and these we examined most carefully, with negative
results so far as finding out that there was any particular germ to account for the
outbreak.
Taking time by the forelock seems to have been of advantage because, although
22 babies were affected, none of these died except one and that from a different cause,
i.e. broncho-pneumonia.
When I report that on enquiry among my medical colleagues and others I came
to the conclusion that nearly one person in ten was affected in Barking, it will be
seen it was impossible to run any communal enterprise but that at sometime,
someone, somewhere, would be found suffering from the condition.
VENEREAL DISEASES.
The Essex County Council is responsible for this service and treatment facilities
are provided at General Hospitals, including the County Hospital at Oldchurch and
the London Hospital (Turner Street Clinic).
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