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General Treatment.—There have been no radical alterations
in the treatment carried out at the Isolation Hospital during the
year. As previously indicated, the serum treatment for scarlet
fever has been continued, with satisfactory results. Certain minor
modifications in the treatment of severe cases of diphtheria have
been introduced, particularly with a view to reducing or preventing
cardiac complications. It is too soon yet to be able to report
upon the effect of these modifications, which have followed recent
investigations into the treatment of diphtheria, but 1 have every
hope that they will bear out the claims of their sponsors.
The artificial light apparatus is still being used in selected
cases and continues its usefulness.
Every opportunity is taken to try out the latest recommended
forms of treatment, serum or otherwise. The results are not always
as satisfactory as one might wish, but the treatment of acute
infectious disease is never static and must be reviewed from time
to time in the light of modern scientific discoveries.
Operations.—The following operations were performed during
the year:—
Appendicectomy (Measles) 1
Tracheotomy (Diphtheria) 2
Tonsillectomy (Diphtheria "Carriers") 4
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In addition to these operations, numerous incisions for gland
abscesses were performed, while the usual number of additional
minor operations were carried cut during the treatment of patients
admitted from General Hospitals with concurrent surgical
conditions.
Dr. Macdonald, Consulting Surgeon to the Hospital, performed
all the operations during the year. His work in this respect has
been invaluable, and in at least two cases he was instrumental in
saving the patient's life.
Dr. Maodonald's consultative visits (112) have been equally
valuable. He is always at the Hospital's services, and I cannot
thank him too much for the valuable assistance which he renders,
night and day, throughout the year.
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