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41
Of 313 children admitted to the Diphtheria Wards only 107
had been vaccinated, whilst 70 children, out of a total of 151
admitted to the Scarlet Fever Wards, showed evidence of successful
vaccination.
Vaccinated 177
Not vaccinated 287
Total 464
That is to say, approximately 62 per cent. of these children are
probably susceptible to small-pox and only 38 per cent. are satisfactorily
protected.
4. LIGHT TREATMENT.
The use of a single arc lamp—carbon has been used for
general irradiation and tungsten for local treatment—has continued
to afford a very valuable means of dealing with debilitated patients
and those in whom localised septic complications, especially
cervical adenitis and otitis media, have arisen. Unfortunately it
is only possible to treat one patient at a time with general ultraviolet
radiation and the installation of a large quadruple arc lamp
would prove a great boon during the winter months.
5. ILLNESS AMONGST MEMBERS OF THE STAFF.
Taking into consideration the conditions under which the
staff carry out their duties and the fact that the type of diphtheria
has been particularly virulent and infectious, it is very gratifying
to be able to report a comparatively low incidence of illness.
It must be remembered, however, that a high degree of physical
fitness is demanded in candidates for appointment to the nursing
or domestic staff and that we are fortunate in having a low percentage
of staff changes.
Seven members of the nursing staff contracted Diphtheria
and one contracted Scarlet Fever, whilst one member of the
domestic staff contracted Diphtheria and one Scarlet Fever. All
of the cases were mild in type, treated early and made an uneventful
recovery.