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15
There is adequate provision for Surgical Treatment, and during
the year under review, the Hospital Board appointed Mr. M. R.
Ernst, F.R.C.S. as Visiting Surgeon to the Hospital.
There is also adequate provision for the carrying out of Laboratory
work at the Hospital.
2. Smallpox.
It was stated in my report for last year that the Essex County
Council was an authority for the provision of accommodation in the
Administrative County for the treatment of cases of Smallpox, and
that for this purpose an agreement had been made between the
Essex County Council and the Borough of Colchester for the use
of a Smallpox Hospital of 24 beds adjacent to the Colchester
Isolation Hospital. This agreement continues in operation.
It was also stated that in addition, the Essex County Council
had an informal arrangement with the London County Council
whereby the latter would receive Essex patients into their Smallpox
Hospital in so far as they had accommodation available. Notice to
terminate this arrangement, however, has been received, and the
position at the end of the year was that the London County Council
had been approached by the Essex County Council with a view to
securing a permanent arrangement.
3. Tuberculosis.
The arrangements of the Essex County Council for the supervision
of patients suffering from Tuberculosis and contacts remain
as before, but a Clinic is now held three times a week at the Combined
Treatment Centre, Oldchurch Hospital, Romford, instead of
twice. Once again I am indebted to Dr. J. E. Stokes, the District
Tuberculosis Officer for this area, for his willing co-operation
throughout the year.
The Tuberculosis Care Association has again carried out good
work, and by the provision of Extra Nourishment, Convalescent
Holiday Treatment, the provision of Fares, Clothing, and Boarding
cut of Children has brought welcome comfort to many of our
patients and contacts. As before, the members of this Association
have acted as Visitors to the homes, and by their sympathetic advice
have given encouragement, not only to the patients, but to the
dependants as well.
Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of each month, and
your Medical Officer of Health has again attended, and has acted as
a link between the Public Health Department of the Council, and
the work of the Association. The Romford Council has now placed
the Committee Room at the Town Hall at the disposal of the
Association for their monthly meetings, free of charge, and has
continued the annual donation to the funds,