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Disinfection of Premises, Etc.—As soon 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 wallpaper
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 patients came
into operation on April 1st, 1903. By this arrangement 25
beds are reserved for the use of Finchley residents, and cases
of three different infectious diseases (scarlet fever, diphtheria,
and enteric) can be isolated. The agreement holds good until
April 1st, 1913.
The rapid growth of the District has rendered the present
hospital provision altogether inadequate, and it is very
desirable to obtain additional accommodation as soon as
possible. According to the generally accepted standard of
at least one bed per 1,000 of population, we should have
close on 40 beds available at the present time, even without
making any allowance for further growth of the District.
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.