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39
(c.) What cases there were notified in the District were
of an exceptionally mild type, and I think it probable that some
further cases were unrecognised, or did not receive medical
advice and were therefore not notified.
In investigating the cases that did crop up it was very
generally found that what I consider efficient isolation could
be provided in the homes of the patients. Where this was
the case I purposely avoided recommending removal to the
Hospital, for the reason that I do not consider that such an
institution should be burdened with unnecessary administrative
expenses by admitting patients who can possibly and
with safety be isolated and treated at home. On the other
hand if there is a reasonable risk of spreading infection I
have always advised their removal. Such advice has always
been accepted and in no instance has it been necessary for
me to recommend measures to enforce removal. Where there
has been hesitation it has been sufficient to point out to the
responsible persons, that by their neglect to adopt my
recommendation they are neglecting a duty which they not
only owe to the rest of the household but also to the rest
of the community, and if by their wilfulness the disease
spreads they are morally, if not legally, responsible for the
suffering and possible death that might ensue.
Two of the patients admitted were children of the very
poorest residents and they entered the Hospital in an
extremely filthy and ragged state. When the period for their
discharge came there was absolutely nothing to adequately
clothe them with and their parents were appealed to in vain.
Under the circumstances the matron had to make some
necessary garments out of some cheap material which I
authorised her to buy. I record this because it serves to
point out to those who have been kind enough to send books
and toys to the Hospital, that a little discarded children's
clothing would also have proved very acceptable in two
instances at least, during last year.
On application by the Friern Barnet Local Board, the
Finchley Local Board consented to receive an occasional
Scarlet Fever patient from that District into the Scarlet Fever