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When a death from tuberculosis is registered and no record of notification is found, a letter
is sent to the medical practitioner certifying the death, asking for his reasons, and the answers have
in all cases proved satisfactory—the medical practitioner having believed that the case had previously
been notified.
The Public Health (Tuberculosis) Regulations, 1930, came into operation on 1st January,
1931. They place clearly upon the District Medical Officer of Health the duty to take such steps
as are necessary or desirable for investigating the source of infection, for preventing the spread of
infection and for removing conditions favourable to infection.
Since the beginning of 1931 the Council's Health Visitors have visited cases of Tuberculosis.
They investigate the source of infection and give advice for preventing the spread of infection. They
arrange for the provision of paper handkerchiefs and sputum bottles with disinfectant. They are
also able to arrange for the loan of bed and bedding to enable the patient to sleep in a separate bed,
but in most cases the patients cannot avail themselves of the offer because there is no space in the home
in which to fit in an extra bed. Ring pillows have been provided in emaciated cases with a view
to the prevention of bed sores. Contacts are advised to attend at the Tuberculosis Dispensary of
the Middlesex County Council for examination.
The housing conditions of the majority of tuberculosis families are unsuitable, and make
measures for the care of the patient and the prevention of spread of the disease difficult, if not indeed,
impossible.
PUBLIC HEALTH (PREVENTION OF TUBERCULOSIS) REGULATIONS, 1925.
No new case was dealt with under the above regulations during 1937.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACT, 1925. SECTION 62.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACT, 1936. SECTION 172.
Removal to hospital of infectious persons suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis.
No action was taken under these sections during 1937.
GENERAL PROVISION OF HEALTH SERVICES FOR THE AREA.
LABORATORY FACILITIES.
Laboratory facilities are dealt with in the Annual Report on the Municipal Hospital, page 76.
AMBULANCE FACILITIES.
Ambulances are available as follows:—
(a) For infectious cases—
1 ambulance.
(b) For non-infectious cases, accident cases and maternity cases—
4 ambulances.
These ambulances have been established and are maintained by the Willesden Borough Council.
The garage is situated at the Municipal Hospital, Brentfield Road, Neasden, N.W.10.
An all-night service is in operation but it is only partial as there are only two drivers on duty
and any call received when they are both out cannot be dealt with.
A detailed report on the service for the financial year 1936-37 will be found on page 80.
NURSING IN THE HOME.
There have been no changes in the arrangements for the above, outlined in the 1931 Annual
Report, page 13, Home Nursing Service.
TREATMENT CENTRES AND CLINICS.
The work of the Clinics appears in other parts of the Report. The capacity of the Clinic premises
and the number of staff employed are inadequate for dealing with the patients who attend
these Clinics. The question of Health Centre accommodation has again been under consideration
by the Council throughout the year.
HOSPITALS.
Since the 1st April, 1936, the operative treatment of enlarged tonsils and adenoids and the
treatment of children suffering from marasmus has been carried out at the Willesden Municipal Hospital
instead of at the Willesden General and St. Monica's Home Hospitals.