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68
document was of interest, as shewing, inter alia, the willingness
of the Managers to undertake the duties of a central hospital
authority in regard to measures for checking and preventing the
spread of infectious disease. The subjects referred to in the
Synopsis were—
(1.) Admission of all classes of Infectious Patients.
(2.) General Conveyance of Infectious Persons to Hospital.
(3.) Admission of cases of Diphtheria to the Managers''
Hospitals
(4.) Compulsory Notification of Infectious Diseases.
(5.) Compulsory removal of the Infectious Sick to Hospital
when without proper lodging or accommodation.
(6.) Compulsory Purchase of Land.
(7.) Contracts with Sanitary Authorities for the Reception
and Maintenance in Hospitals of Non-paupers.
The objects sought to be attained in respect of (1), (2), (3),
(4) and (6) have now been secured, as already explained, by the
passing of the Infectious Disease (Notification) Act, 1889 (vide
page 58), and the Poor Laiv Act, 1889 (vide page 64). At
page 641 have dealt with the question of (5) Compulsory removal of
the Sick, which still awaits settlement. With reference to (7), I
have stated fully in former reports the grounds of objection to the
•contract system, whilst in the present report (at page 65) I have
shewn how free admission to the hospitals has now been practically
provided for. I conclude this part of my report, then, as
I began it, by remarking that the year 1889 will be memorable
in the sanitary annals of the Metropolis for its public health
legislation, the effect of which has been to elevate the Asylums
Board to the position of Central Hospital and Ambulance Authority
for all London.