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It should be noted that some of the cases were removed to Hospital at too late a stage of the
illness for treatment to be of any avail.
Of 45 cases nursed at home, in which information is available, in only 8 cases was trained
nursing assistance provided, and in one of these it was provided by the Council.
Of these 8 cases only 1 died, or 12.5 per cent., as against 12, or 32.4 per cent., of the cases
nursed at home with no trained nursing assistance.
The most effective measure for the reduction of mortality in pneumonia would appear to be
the prompt provision of adequate trained nursing assistance.
Coupled with this is the need in some cases for the provision of domestic assistance, such as
home helps, though, as a general rule, the domestic assistance is adequate, except in cases
of exceptional outbreaks, such as occurred in the recent influenza epidemics.
Further, there is the need to see that the home cases have the means of obtaining sufficient and
suitable nourishment. At the moment milk may be obtained for expectant and nursing mothers and
children under 5 under the Council's scheme, but for other patients there is no provision, except for
poor law cases.
The question of the provision of adequate medical attendance in all cases also arises. In
connection with the Council's home nursing scheme, recently started, it has been noted that a doctor
will not always be called in as promptly or as often as desirable on account of the expense.
Many of the cases removed to hospitals and infirmaries could be nursed at home if the
necessary food and medical attendance were ensured in conjunction with the trained nursing assistance,
whereas the provision oi the trained nursing assistance only might still leave it necessary for
the patient's removal.
At the present time, however, the lack of suitable and sufficient housing accommodation may
make the patient's removal necessary.
In addition to the 88 cases notified, a further 25 cases coming to knowledge through death
certificates, or otherwise, were visited by the Health Visitors. Of these, 12 were fatal. Eight
of the fatal cases were nursed at home, 2 were removed to the Municipal Hospital, and 2
to the Willesden Infirmary.
Of the 13 cases that recovered, 3 were nursed at home, 2 were removed to the Infirmary, and
8 were removed to the Municipal Hospital.
Malaria.—Seventy-six cases were notified.
In 67 instances the original attack occurred whilst the patient was abroad. In 2 instances
the first attack occurred after the patient had returned from abroad.
In all instances, except one, the patients were males.
The exception was a girl aged 11 years attending a Public Elementary School. Her first attack
occurred when she was staying at Sheerness, where troops, convalescent after malaria, were stationed.
It was stated that the girl had been badly bitten by mosquitoes at Sheerness.
In 6 instances no definite information is available.
Dysentery.—Six cases were notified.
In 4 instances the disease was contracted abroad.
Trench Fever.—No cases were notified.
The annual report should state whether and to what extent bacteriological aids to diagnosis have
been utilised, action to discover "contacts," arrangements for isolation and disinfection, as well as any
action taken to deal with special difficulties, e.g., return cases, carrier cases, etc.
Bacteriological outfits and diphtheria antitoxic serum are supplied to medical practitioners
in the district free of charge, and can be obtained by medical practitioners at the following centres in
Willesden:—
(1) Municipal Offices (Health Department.).
* (2) Kilburn Fire Station.
* (3) Willesden Green Fire Station.
(4) Harlesden (No. 42, High Street).
* (5) Municipal Hospital.
Influenza Vaccine can also be obtained at the Municipal Offices.
* To be had at all hours day or night.