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6
The Maternity Home has, owing to the difficulties in obtaining staff
which I have referred to in previous reports, been unable to admit many
mothers who have desired admission there. I am hoping that with it
becoming a Part I Training School, some of these staff difficulties may be
removed, but I cannot say that I am impressed with the value of the
Rushcliffe Committee Report, accompanied as it has been by the recognition
of the partly trained "Assistant Nurse" as a member of the nursing
profession.
The medical treatment of school children at the various Clinics has
been carried out under the most adverse conditions, upon which I have
reported to the Education Committee, and for which I hope they will be
able to obtain a remedy before long.
The efficacy of immunisation is shown at the Camp Schools, where no
case of scarlet fever or diphtheria occurred during the year.
No doubt the large amount of food which was surrendered as unsound
will be noticed. It is the largest amount which I have ever had to deal
with, and is of course due to the difficulties of sea transport.
A good deal has been said about the stubborn good health of the British
people in war time. It is well, however, to bear in mind that we have not
been afflicted by an outbreak of influenza. If we are fortunate enough to
escape such an outbreak, no doubt the vital statistics of the nation will
remain good. Those, however, who remember the disastrous outbreak
which occurred in the last phases of the last war, and the following year,
will realise that it is too early to boast of our good health. Unfortunately
no satisfactory means has been found to immunise against influenza, and if
it breaks out in a pandemic form, little can be done to prevent its spread.
The work of the staff has been carried out with loyalty and efficiency.
I have again to thank the members of the Council for their continued
support, and I have the honour to be
Your obedient Servant,
A. H. G. BURTON,
Medical Officer of Health.