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13
ISOLATION HOSPITAL.
Scarlet Fever has been exceptionally prevalent during the
year. There were notified 1,320 cases of scarlet fever and 332
cases of diphtheria. Of the scarlet fever cases 450 were admitted
to our hospital and of the diphtheria cases 223 were
admitted.
The remainder, with the exception of a few received into
other hospitals, were treated in their own homes. Supervision
was maintained over those kept at home to ensure the best isolation
possible, and the other occupants of the house were allowed
to continue at their work. Experience has proved that the large
majority of scarlet fever of the now prevalent mild type can be
quite satisfactorily dealt with in this way.
The necessity for providing hospital accommodation for
enteric fever has become manifest during the year. This need
has arisen in consequence of the general hospitals refusing to
receive these cases as they have done hitherto.
Other isolation hospital authorities, including the Metropolitan
Asylums Board, have been approached with a view to
receiving our cases, but so far without result.
In last year's report reference was made to the contemplated
provision of extra bedrooms for the staff. Some of the nurses
have to share a bedroom owing to lack of accommodation, and
this is very much resented by them. Extra bedroom accommodation
is also required for the domestic staff (ward maids).
After consideration of several alternatives, the Committee
agreed to extend the nurses' dormitories to give the extra accommodation
for the nurses, and in addition three rooms to be set
apart for enteric fever cases. It was also agreed to provide the
extra accommodation for the wardmaids by extending their dormitories.
The total estimated cost necessitated by these proposed
alterations amounts to £2,325, and an application to the
Ministry of Health has been made for consent to borrow this
sum.
The statistics which follow are eloquent testimony of the
good work done in this hospital, and the results are largely due
to the nursing facilities provided under the able superintendence
of the matron, who has occupied that position for nineteeen years.
The medical staff of the hospital consists of the medical
officer of health, who is medical superintendent, the assistant
medical officer of health, and Dr Kennedy, who renders service
in emergencies,