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tents are disinfected with formalin in the manner set out
above. Cleaning and airing of the room is always advised,
and the remedying of any insanitary condition found by the
Inspector whilst visiting is taken in hand as a routine matter.
The value of disinfectants and of room disinfection is a
very debatable matter, and I favour their abolition entirely.
Cleanliness, soap and water, fresh air and sunlight will do
all and more than our present efforts in this direction. I do
not believe it a correct economic policy to pander to a wrong
public opinion which is quite contented if the air smells
strongly of some pungent chemical.
Laboratory Work.
The following bacteriological examinations were made
during the year:—
Positive. Negative.
Sputum examination for Tubercle 16 98
Swabs for Diphtheria 14 159
Widal Reaction for Typhoid 3 2
Bacteriological examinations of milk are carried out
periodically. Some counts were extraordinarily high, showing
needless dirt contamination, while the Graded Milks kept
well within the standard set by the Graded Milk Orders.
The efficiency of the scheme for bacteriological examinations
by the Kent County Council Laboratory proved itself
during the year and there is no need at the present time to
alter these arrangements.
Diphtheria Antitoxin.
Diphtheria Antitoxin in 8,000 unit doses is on free
supply to the Doctors. No case is admitted to hospital before
this antitoxin has been injected.