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28
Two cases of Scarlet Fever died during the year, one
case of Tuberculous Meningitis and 4 cases of Diphtheria.
The remaining cases recovered, and on December
31st, 1920, there were in Hospital 16 cases of Scarlet
Fever and 9 of Diphtheria, a total of 25.
No patient who has had Diphtheria is discharged
from hospital until a bacteriological examination of a
swab from the throat (and also from the nose or ear if
any nasal or aural discharge has been present) shows
that the Diphtheria Bacillus is absent, and at least two
consecutive negative results are required. The examinations
are carried out by the Kent County Laboratory
at Maidstone, and 274 swabs were so examined during
1920, 47 were positive, 9 doubtful, and 218 negative.
In addition one patient's blood was examined for
Enteric Fever, and it was found that he was suffering
from Paratyphoid Fever.
The average stay of Scarlet Fever cases was 43 days,
and of Diphtheria 33 days. The longest period for which
a case of Scarlet Fever was detained was 101 days, and of
Diphtheria 85 days.
There is no accommodation for Small Pox or Cerebrospinal
Fever, but arrangements have been in force
for some years with the Metropolitan Asylums Board
whereby such cases are sent to their Hospital at Joyce
Green, Dartford.
Motor Ambulance.
There is a motor ambulance service carried on in
conjunction with the Fire Brigade in the District, which
has proved a great boon. It conveys acute cases from
the district to the London Hospitals, and patients who
have sustained accidents to their homes or to Hospital.
During the year 1920 the Ambulance was in use on 535
occasions.
(3) Local Acts & General adopted Acts in force in the
District.
The Erith Tramways and Improvements Act, 1904,
the Public Health Acts Amendment Act, 1890, the