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Samples are also sent periodically to independent analysts
in London for their examination and the following report is
characteristic of such examinations :—
" This is a clear and bright water free from odour
and taste and neutral in re-action. It is hard in character,
free from metals and contains no excess of saline matter.
Both organically and bacteriologically the water is
of a high degree of purity and is a pure and wholesome
water suitable for public supply purposes."
12 samples were also taken by us and submitted for
examination. The reports were in every case satisfactory.
Diphtheria Prophylaxis.
Immunisation proceeds steadily but slowly. At the end of
the year a careful estimate of the number immunised showed
74% in the under 5 group, and 77% in the 5-15 year group. This
may be considered satisfactory, but by no means the best result
that can be achieved. Clinic attendances are a little disappointing
but it is hoped that further efforts by the Health Visitors may
produce bigger attendances once again. The utilisation of the
local doctors in the immunising campaign has, thanks to the
Council's decision, been of considerable value. One difficulty we
have to face is that Diphtheria has been so, little prevalent in this
district of recent years that people are apt to forget the serious
mortality rate of this disease when cases occur, but under war
conditions one should not anticipate remaining comparatively
free of such diseases.
Scabies.
The Clinic at Church Farm has continued to function efficiently,
thanks to the willing co-operation of Civil Defence Personnel.
During the year some 513 cases have been treated, the total number
of treatments being 1,026. There is now little difficulty in
persuading infected people or contacts to undergo treatment and
this may in fact be taken as a tribute to the efficiency of the
Clinic becoming more widely known.
Infectious Disease.
During the early part of the year the district suffered from an
epidemic of measles, the vast majority of the cases being mild in
type.
V.D. Campaign.
A lecture was given by Dr. Ashkin to C.D. Personnel and others
and was much appreciated. It would appear that there is an
audience for such lectures and I think they are of value in rousing
further interest.