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33
I do not know whether such a scheme would meet with the
approval of Enfield ; I merely suggest it for the Council's consideration.
In conclusion, I would draw the Council's attention to the figures
set out on Table III, which show the amounts spent during the past
three years on isolation, and the returns obtained.
Under our present arrangement with Enfield, when the number
of beds at our disposal for any one disease is exceeded, the extra
beds are charged at an increased rate, which continues so long as
the case in question remains in hospital, no matter how many of our
allotted beds become vacant in the meantime.
In the case of an epidemic occurring, the expense involved
becomes, in this way, proportionately great; moreover, there is no
guarantee under present conditions, that a sufficient number of beds
in such an emergency, would be at our disposal—in fact the reverse
might not be unexpected, as times of epidemic would, in all probability,
be coincident in the two districts.
Adequate accommodation to our probable needs is what is most
urgently required, whether in our own hospital or in that of a Joint
Board. The present arrangement is not to be relied on in time of
emergency, and is therefore most undesirable.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
A. W. J. MacFADDEN,
Medical Officer of Health.