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14
Ophthalmia Neonatorum. Seventeen cases were notified, 3 of which were
admitted to hospital. Nursing assistance was provided under the Council's scheme
in 13 cases.
Cerebrospinal Meningitis. Thirty-two cases were notified compared with
9 in 1939, and 6 in 1938. With the exception of seven in army barracks the cases
were sporadic. All the cases were removed to hospital and in 10 cases the diagnosis
was not confirmed. There were five deaths.
Tuberculosis. The number of new cases examined was 779. Of these 151
were definitely tuberculous. 271 contacts were examined, of which 20 were
definitely tuberculous. The total number of attendances at the Dispensaries was
3,224 ; 4,025 visits were made by nurses to homes of patients, and 290 domiciliary
visits were paid by the Tuberculosis Officer or an Assistant Medical Officer. 344
cases were referred to the Dispensaries by medical practitioners and 81 by Medical
Boards. 507 specimens of sputum were examined, of which 104 were positive ;
and 1,033 X-ray examinations were made. The number of cases on the register
on the 31st December, 1940, was 962. 98 patients received artificial pneumothorax
treatment. Additional nourishment was granted in 385 instances. 37 patients
received dental treatment under the Council's scheme. 331 patients were admitted
to hospitals, sanatoria, or training colonies. The Tuberculosis Care Committee continued
their meetings and rendered valuable assistance in various ways to the needy
tuberculous and their families.
Laboratory Facilities. The bacteriological work of the Council is carried
out at the War Memorial Hospital. In addition to the number of examinations
made for the tuberculosis service, 362 specimens were examined for diagnostic
purposes in the case of diphtheria, 3 in the case of enteric fever, and 1 on account
of other disease.
Disinfection and Disinfestation. The number of rooms disinfected after
cases of infectious disease, etc., was 487. Of these 113 were rooms which had been
occupied by tuberculous persons. 1,093 rooms were disinfected for verminous
cases. 45,931 articles were disinfected at the Disinfection Station. The number
of school children cleansed at the Cleansing Station, in accordance with the terms
of the agreement with the London County Council was 1,276. The number of adults
cleansed was 60. In addition, 35 French and Belgian refugees were cleansed.
In September, the Cleansing Station at Whitehart Road was damaged by
enemy action and it was necessary to form a new station for the cleansing of verminous
persons. Fortunately, it was possible to do this in the Plumstead Turkish
Baths building, where a limited amount of disinfection by dry heat could be
arranged.