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of admission is given to those mothers who are dependent on their own
earnings. There are many such cases, as would be expected after a
war which caused the widowhood of many young mothers who are
forced to provide for their children. The number of attendances at all
the nurseries during 1946 was 30,526. There was no undue prevalence
of sickness amongst these children. Special care is directed towards
the prevention of intestinal and respiratory infections.
DIPHTHERIA
IMMUNISATION.
13 cases of diphtheria occurred in 1946, of these
only three had received preventative inoculation.
Two of these cases were mild, one was moderate
and all recovered. Diphtheria Immunisation is offered at all the Infant
Welfare Sessions and at special periodic immunisation clinics. The
low incidence of diphtheria in so large a child population indicates that
the rate of protection is very high. The acceptance by all mothers of
this facility would reduce the problem of diphtheria in this country to
negligible proportions.
WHOOPING
COUGH
IMMUNISATION.
The Health Services Committee has given very
careful consideration to preventive inoculation
against Whooping Cough. The Committee is
fully aware that this form of prevention is still
in its experimental stage and that no guarantee can be given either to
prevent the disease or to mitigate its evil effects should it be contracted.
A large volume of research work is now being undertaken by a committee
of the Medical Research Council. This research involves
widespread and varied experiments; it is not expected, however, that
the findings of this committee will be fully collated in the immediate
future, but having in mind the ravages caused by Whooping Cough it
is earnestly hoped that an effective antigen will soon be made available.
In certain cases where the parents are anxious to have this treatment
for their children, it is provided, the limitations being fully explained
to them.
SANITARY
INSPECTION.
The figures later in the report will show the
many and varied duties undertaken by the
Sanitary Inspectors. It is very notable that
compared with previous years the work undertaken has increased to a
remarkable extent. Additional duties have been assumed in connection
with the Shops Acts. It will be noted that 986 visits connected
with these Acts were paid. Rodent Control has also given rise to a great
deal of work, this aspect of the Sanitary Inspector's duties having
increased nearly fourfold. It is pleasing to be able to record that
maintaining a high standard of sanitation in this district has been
possible without having to resort to court action. It was necessary,
however, to institute legal proceedings under the Food and Drugs Act
on one occasion, the result being that the vendors were fined £8 and
10s. 6d. costs. The food involved was beef sausage which was deficient
in meat content.