View report page

48
occurrence of fatal terminations, in patients suffering from the
acute infectious diseases, this ideal can only be reached with the
full co-operation of the general practitioners and the parents. Too
often are children admitted who have been suffering from
diphtheria for several days, when the hope of success from antitoxic
serum treatment is greatly lessened; many of the cases of severe
and septic scarlet fever might! be prevented, or at least modified,
by timely attention to chronic disease of the nose and throat.
However, bearing in mind the very far from ideal conditions
under which the treatment is carried out—the need for a properly
planned and excuted partial re-erection and extension of the hospital
is pressing and should be taken in hand as soon as the general
economic circumstances make it possible—the Local Authority may
be justly proud that the mortality rate for the acute infectious
diseases in East Ham is so far below the average.
It is gratifying to be able to report that only four members of
the staff suffered from acute infectious disease contracted during
the course of their duties; one case of Scarlet Fever, two of
Diphtheria, and one of Measles occurred, and all made a very
satisfactory recovery.
In conclusion I wish to express my great appreciation and
thanks to the Matron, whose efficient management and guidance
have done so much towards the promotion of a successful year's
work, and to the Home Sister, Night Sister, and Ward Sisters
for their untiring devotion to duty, which has gone so far in
ensuring such satisfactory results.