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bacteriological work.
The examination of swabs for diphtheria and sputa for tuberculosis
is carried out by the Medical. Superintendent at the Wandle Valley
Isolation Hospital, and during the year the following number of specimens
were examined:—
Swabs for diphtheria 161
Sputa for tuberculosis 51
In addition an arrangement exists whereby other specimens, the
examination of which is of importance to the Public Health, are examined
by the Pathologist to the Croydon General Hospital. Under this
arrangement the following numbers of specimens were examined during
1937:—
Cerebro-spinal fluid 1
Blood—Widal test 10
Urine and faeces for Typhoid 10
DISINFECTION.
The disinfection of bedding, etc., is undertaken by the Wandle
Valley Isolation Hospital Board, while the disinfection of premises is
carried out by the Officers of the Public Health Department.
For the convenience of ratepayers, this Council has decided to
provide for disinfection even when this is not essential in the interests
of public health, but in these cases a charge will be made of 10s. Od.
per load of bedding, etc., 5s. Od. for the first room, and 2s. 6d. for each
additional room disinfected at the same time.
During the year the following disinfections were carried out:—
Free of cost. Charged for.
Loads of bedding, etc. 165 9
Houses disinfected 170 4
HEALTH PROPAGANDA.
During the year several forms of Health propaganda were introduced,
the Council co-operating with the National and Surrey County
Health Campaigns which were launched in the Autumn.
As it is very difficult to attract an audience to public meetings
in this District, the campaign was limited to approaching school
children, mothers at Infant Welfare Centres, and such voluntary
organisations as desired speakers on health topics.
The children over 11 years of age attending most of the public
elementary and secondary schools in the District attended two displays
of health films at one of the local Cinemas during the closing months
of the year. Unfortunately none of the private schools availed themselves
of the opportunity to attend. While these displays were successful
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