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In order to maintain this high degree of immunity of the children
in the District, it is very desirable that all children shall, if possible, have
completed their first treatment by the time they are a year old, while
older children should receive an extra dose at about 5 years, 10 years,
and possibly 15 years of age.
No noteworthy alteration was made during the year on recent
practice, A.P.T. being extensively used for children up to 7 years of
age and T.A.F. for older children.
Since the Diphtheria Immunisation Scheme was first introduced in
this District, a system of appointments in respect of all attendances at
clinics has been maintained, a practice which is very exceptional, if not
unique.
A fee of is. was payable for each notification of children immunised
by general practitioners, but during 1946 and 1947 no notifications were
received, although doubtless an appreciable number of children are thus
treated annually.
DIABETES.
The supply of insulin at reduced cost or free of charge to residents
unable to obtain it through other agencies was continued throughout the
year. The number of cases remained small, only 8 being supplied in
this way during 1947.
AMBULANCES.
For Infectious Disease Cases.—The Wandle Valley Joint Hospital
Board provided two motor ambulances for the removal of cases
of infectious disease to hospital. The use of these ambulances was
limited to the area served by the Hospital Board.
Accident and General Cases.—The three first-line ambulances
provided by the Council, with one in reserve, continued to be manned
by whole-time paid men, under the very able leadership of the Ambulance
Superintendent. The service remained the responsibility of the
Medical Officer of Health and maintained its very high standard throughout
the year. Through the courtesy of the National Fire Service the
three ambulances on duty continued to be based on the Purley and
Sanderstead Fire Stations.
The system was continued of charging for removals, other than
cases of accident or sudden illness occurring in public places, but with
modified charges for some maternity cases conveyed to and from
hospital.
HOSPITALS.
Infectious Disease.—This Council was one of the constituent
authorities of the Wandle Valley Joint Hospital Board, and cases of
infectious disease (other than smallpox) occurring in this District were
admitted to the Board's hospital at Beddington Corner, Mitcham. The
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