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All hæmolytic streptococci isolated were tested by the
slide agglutination method and assigned, where possible,
to one of the thirty types of Griffith. Separate notes of
the clinical condition of each patient were kept at the
Isolation Hospital, and the correlation of hæmolytic
streptococcal types and the clinical findings were made
after the completion of all the serological typing.
WARD ARRANGEMENT.
Block A. Open Wards.
This consisted of two wards, each having twelve beds,
united by a central section to form one block. The same
nurses worked in both wards. The ordinary method of
nursing was used, no special precautions being taken
against hæmolytic streptococcal spread other than the
usual aseptic method for surgical dressings.
Block B. Bed-Isolation Wards.
The general lay-out of these wards was similar to
that of Block A. In addition each of these wards had a
central hand basin, the taps being operated by foot pedals.
The precautions against hæmolytic streptococcal spread
were those usual for bed-isolation nursing, and the regulations
were strictly enforced.
1. Preliminary period, March 17th to July 12th, 1937.
During this period, whilst the necessary structural
alterations for bed-isolation were being made in Block B,
a preliminary investigation in Block A under open nursing
was made. The principal object of this was to gain
experience in typing hemolytic streptococci, swabbing
procedure, etc.
2. Experimental period, January 19th to May 13th, 1938.
During this period both Blocks A and B were in use
and the investigation into the comparative incidence of
change of hæmolytic streptococcal type in scarlet fever
in patients nursed (a) by open methods and (b) by bedisolation
methods was made. As far as was practicable,
alternate patients were admitted to Block A and Block B.