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is only one small point which could be so much better covered
were there an ad hoc Committee or body in existence dealing
with all phases which affect old age and its tribulations.
Although the situation in regard to the supply of hospital
nurses has not materially altered, enquiries have shown that the
admission of acutely ill patients to hospital does not present any
serious problem. In the same way, the admission to hospital of
expectant mothers has proceeded smoothly and presents no
difficulty. Indeed there is evidence to show that the proportion
of expectant mothers seeking admission to hospital is rather too
high than too low. Cases of infectious disease are admitted to
South Lodge Isolation Hospital, or to Coppetts Wood Isolation
Hospital. I have not heard of any difficulty in regard to such
admissions, and would take this opportunity of thanking the Medical
Superintendents of the two hospitals concerned for their
co-operation and help.
The admission of cases of tuberculosis to sanatoria is still not
entirely satisfactory, due to the fact that a sufficient number of
beds does not yet seem to be available. This is unfortunate, since
the greatly extended facilities for the discovery of early cases of
tuberculosis has meant an increasing demand on hospital and sanatorium
beds. This matter is, of course, receiving attention, and
should be regarded as a problem of the greatest urgency.
Laboratory Facilities
As in past years, I would record my appreciation and thanks
to the staff of the Central Public Healtn Laboratory, both at
Colindale and at the branch laboratory in Edmonton, for the
material assistance rendered during the year. We did not have to
call upon the Laboratory to any great extent during 1953, apart
from the routine work carried out on our behalf and on behalf of
general practitioners throughout the year. It is, however, a source
of great satisfaction to know that the Public Health Laboratory
Service stands behind us, and is ready and willing at all times to
carry out any investigation in the field of epidemiology.

Mortuary
The position in regard to the Council mortuary at the rear of
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