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31
Of so marked a character was the outbreak that it was set to the
account of the hospital and I had some difficulty in convincing
people that not a single case had been admitted. Had the building
been in use the outbreak would not unnaturally have been quoted as
another proof of the dangers attending the collection of sick in
hospitals.
I have thought it right to refer to these matters in order to
shew the difficulties that surround any attempt to provide hospital
accommodation for small-pox, (for no such difficulties exist in
respect of other infectious diseases), and to shew that the difficulties
are about equally great, whether the attempt be made by the Managers
or by the Nuisance or Poor Law Authorities. The difficulties arise
mainly on the ground that no Authority has a statutory right to
create a "nuisance" by setting up a hospital so as to depreciate the
property of adjoining owners. And if the Managers, with their
apparently large powers under the Metropolitan Poor Act, 1867,
and with practically unlimited funds at their disposal, they having
the command of the Metropolitan purse through the "common poor
fund," have been unable to do what is necessary for the public
safety, what prospect is there of a Vestry succeeding? As I
stated in my fifth Report for 1881 (May 25, page 46), "special
legislation is imperatively called for to enable the Asylums Board
to carry on their important duties, subject to proper precautions
so as to avoid danger to health and injury to property, without
unreasonable interference on the part of individuals."
The need for such legislation is now universally felt, and has
given occasion for the appointment of the Royal Commission
which is now investigating the subject.
DARENTH CONVALESCENT CAMP HOSPITAL.
In my last Annual Report at page 58, there will be found a
brief epitome of some observations addressed to the President of
the Local Government Board (April 23rd, 1881), on the provision
of " hospital accommodation " for infectious sick persons, especially
those suffering from small-pox. A deputation of Metropolitan
Sanitary Authorities and others representing the British Medical
Association, the Society of Medical Officers of Health, the Social