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27
Influenza.—Ministry of Health Circular No. 2879 called on Local
Authorities to asoertain what assistance could be given to the local general
practitioners by the military medical authorities, and also assistance to
patients in regard to nursing, domestic duties, shopping, etc.
On 14th December, 1943, I wrote to the local W.V.S. Centre, to the
British Red Cross Society and the St. John Ambulance Brigade, asking
for the names of volunteers who were prepared to give assistance, and wrote
to all the doctors in the district asking them to let me know as soon as
possible:—
(1) Whether any additional medical assistance was required to deal
with patients, either (a) at their surgery, or (6) at the homes of the
patients.
(2) Any cases which required nursing attention other than cases of
Influenzal pneumonia, which should be removed to the Isolation
Hospital or such other hospitals.
(3) Those cases which required a certain amount of nursing attention,
but were not cases of pneumonia, and which could be dealt with
by people who were not trained nurses.
(4) Those who required meals to be supplied to their homes from British
Restaurants and school canteens, stating whether there was a person
who could collect the meals, or whether assistance in this respect
was necessary.
(5) Homes which required assistance in the way of collecting shopping,
etc., whioh could be done by local youth services.
The appreciation of the doctors of the action taken is shown by the
replies I received from them, some of which I quote:—
“I note with gratefulness of the arrangements you have made
for nursing attention, supply of meals, and other assistance. I shall
inform my patients of the facilities available and shall inform you as
soon as possible, should they require such assistance".
“ At present I do not require any of the services, but should the
occasion arise wherein any of the services mentioned may be required,
I will be only too pleased to let you know".
“With regard to nursing, the patients can usually find someone
to look after them, but if any instances of complete inability to obtain
help occur, I shall do as you say and ask for the help of the various
organisations which you control".
“ Nursing attention, meals and assistance for shopping will betaken advantage of wherever such needs will arise. Thank you for
your communication".
Telephone requests were received from 8 doctors in respect of 13 cases
where a certain amount of nursing attention or domestic help were required,
and in each case this was arranged for either through the British Red Cross
or the W.V.S.
The epidemic of Influenza commenced at the end of November, 1943,
and continued until the end of January, 1944.
The incidence of the disease and its fatality rate is shown by the table
following, which shows the number of notifications of pneumonia with the
percentage death rates according to where the cases were nursed.
In order to cope with the situation in Ilford I had to ask the Essex
-County Council to remove 20 cases of tuberculosis from the beds in the
Isolation Hospital which had been loaned to the Essex County Council for
hat purpose.