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however, that this provision is nine miles too far,
especially in the case of the infected person who
is impervious or unresponsive to education or persuasion
and, therefore, not likely to exert or
inconvenience themselves by travelling distances.
Procrastination in obtaining any type of health
treatment is an all too common failing and constancy
in attendance often fails if distant travelling
is involved. The very nature of venereal
infections accentuates this failing; war-time conditions
of long working hours and defence duties
are other factors which contribute to neglect in
obtaining treatment.
Treatment provision should be very easily
available and, as far as possible, on the spot.
Suitable institutions are reluctant to open their
doors to V.D. Clinic facilities, as prejudice dies
exceedingly hard, but the attack on this disease
has got to be relentless if we are to grapple with
the problem realistically and with hope of ultimate
effectiveness.
As a County District Authority we have no
obligations in regard to the treatment of Venereal
diseases. We are, however, assigned the role of
"publicity agents" for local propaganda which
is to be worked out in consultation with the County
Council and in collaboration with the Central
Council for Health Education.
(g) Hospitals, Public and Voluntary.—The Phillips
Memorial (Homcepathic) Hospital with 20 beds is
out of commission for the duration of the war.
Public Health Act, 1936. Section 187/195.
Nursing Homes.—Two Nursing Homes were newly
registered during 1942, and at the en d of the year there
were G Nursing Homes on the register. They provided
beds for 75 patients, including (a) 31 Maternity and (b)
44 others. During the year one Home ceased business.
Sixteen visits of inspection were carried out by Dr.
G. H. Stinson, Assistant Medical Officer of Health, and
no infringements of regulations were reported.