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"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.
The position remains reasonably satisfactory. A careful
estimate of numbers immunised showed 49.5% in the under 5 group
and 88% in the 5-15 year group. Health Visitors have been
actively engaged in propaganda and the number of positive refusals
to accept this treatment are gratifyingly small. The birthday
card scheme promises good results in the under 5 group. The
district has shared in the country wide decrease in Diphtheria,
which position is, in my opinion, mainly attributable to the immunisation
campaign. Efforts are continuing to increase the
number immunised and I am not satisfied that we have yet reached
the total that could, and should, be protected.
Scabies.
During the year some 320 cases and contacts have been
treated. Little persuasion is now needed to get people to undergo
treatment and recurrences have been infinitesimal in number.
Ambulance.
During the year 1945, the Ambulance Service returned to the
control of this department, pending completion of the County
Ambulance Scheme. The number of cases dealt with in 1945 was
589 and we have reason to believe that the service is well appreciated
in the district.
Infectious Diseases.
Comparable figures over the past five years show little marked
variation in incidence, although 1945 provided us with a medium
outbreak of Measles. Fortunately no deaths were ascribed to
infectious diseases and the one case of Diphtheria was a nonimmunised
case.
By arrangement with the East Barnet District Nursing Association,
the department utilises the services of their nurses in many
public health activities, notably in the follow up of cases notified
as suffering from infectious diseases. The arrangement continues
to work well.