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in some cases, such as pneumonia, in satisfactorily nursing these cases owing to lack of warm clothing ;
but to meet this difficulty a small stock of flannel gowns and blankets was procured for use during
illness, and these have proved beneficial. The loan of nursing requisites, such as bed pans, air
cushions, feeding cups, etc., has also proved very useful and helpful to the comfort and better nursing
of many cases.
One branch of the work which has shown progress is the after-care of patients referred from
voluntary hospitals, 56 such cases being referred during the year, and the services of the Home Nurses
have been greatly appreciated by these Institutions.
Many letters and messages of thanks and appreciation have been received during the year from
patients and friends, expressing their gratitude for services rendered.
PROVISION OF MEALS.
193,485 meals have been supplied to school children during the year at the Centres of the
Education Committee and at the Voluntary Centre in South Kilburn ; 2,519 meals were supplied to
mothers and children during the first four months of the year only, but were finally discontinued
in May, 1921.
MUNICIPAL HOSPITAL.
2,617 cases were admitted to the Municipal Hospital during 1921, 1,599 being notified cases
of Infectious Diseases, 219 children under five years, 347 school children and 452 women. The work
at the Hospital has been well done under difficult conditions. The lack of cubicle or isolation accommodation
for patients, and the lack of sufficient and suitable accommodation for the Nursing and
Domestic staff are the main disadvantages under which Hospital administration has to be carried out.
The Annual Report of the Medical Superintendent is appended.
Your Obedient Servant,
GEORGE F. BUCHAN,
Medical Officer of Health.