London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Finchley 1905

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Finchley]

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Disinfection of Premises, Etc.— As scon as possible after
a patient is removed to Hospital, or, when the patient is nursed
at home, directly the medical attendant notifies that the patient
is free from infection, the room is fumigated with formic
aldehyde vapour, and the bedding, blankets, and wearing
apparel which cannot be conveniently washed are passed
through an ''Equifex" steam-disinfector. Whenever considered
necessary, directions are given to have the wall-paper stripped
and the ceiling whitewashed.
Notification of School Authorities.— This is done in
order to assist the School Authorities in excluding children
coming from an infected house.
Isolation Hospital.— The agreement with the Hornsey
Borough Council with reference to the conjoint use of their
Isolation Hospital for Hornsey and Finchley patient® came
into operation on April 1st, 1903. By this arrangement. 25 beds
are reserved for the use of Finchley residents, and case© of
three different infectious diseases (scarlet fever, diphtheria, and
enteric) can be isolated.
Other Precautionary Measures.— At least one visit is
paid to every infected house by either the Medical Officer of
Health or Sanitary Inspector, and the opportunity taken to
examine the sanitary condition of the premises.
Especial care is taken to prevent the spread of infection
by those engaged in the milk trade, laundry work, or the
manufacture of wearing apparel.
Bacteriological Diagnosis.
During the year 1905 64 Bacteriological Examinations
were made in order to determine the existence of diphtheria,
phthisis, and enteric fever in doubtful cases.

The results were as follows:—

Positive.Negative.Total.
Diphtheria123143
Enteric5611
Phthisis3710