London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Erith 1919
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Erith]
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swab from the throat (and also from the nose if any
nasal discharge has been present) shows that the Bacillus
of Diphtheria is absent, at least two consecutive negative
results are required. These Bacteriological Examinations
are carried out by the Kent County Laboratory at
Maidstone, and 89 examinations were so made during
1919 ; 65 of these being negative.
Table showing the number of patients treated at the Sanatorium during the year.
| Scarlet Fever. | Diphtheria- | Enteric Fever. | Measles. | Total. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In Hospital, Jan. 1st 1919 | 1 | - | - | - | 1 |
| Admitted during year | 66 | 29 | 1 | 1 | 97 |
| Discharged | 49 | 23 | 1 | 1 | 74 |
| Died | 1 | 4 | — | — | 5 |
| In Hospital Dec. 31st, 1919 | 17 | 2 | — | — | 19 |
The average stay in hospital of Scarlet Fever
patients, who had completed their stay in hospital during
the year was 39 days, and of Diphtheria patients 35
days. The longest period for which a Scarlet Fever
patient was detained was 52 days, and diphtheria 96
days.
There is no accommodation for Smallpox or Cerebrospinal
Fever, but arrangements have been in force for
some years with the Metropolitan Asylums Board
whereby cases of these diseases are admitted to their
Hospital at Joyce Green, Dartford.
Motor Ambulance.
During the year the Council have purchased a
motor ambulance for the use of persons in the district.
It conveys acute cases from the district to the various
London Hospitals, and patients who have sustained
accidents at one of the factories to their homes or to
Hospital. It has proved a great boon, and was in use
on 186 occasions up to December 31st, 1919, 110
patients were removed to various London Hospitals,