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6. Hospital Accommodation.
(a) Acute Cases.—There were no major changes in 1957 in
regard to the hospital accommodation available for the inhabitants
of the Borough.
(b) Chronic Cases.—Regional Hospital Boards have asked
that Medical Officers of Health shall support when necessary on
" social grounds " the recommendations of medical practitioners for
the admission of the chronic sick to hospital. All possible help
was given when requested.
The following table shows the position in regard to hospital
and hostel admissions considered and/or supported on "social"
grounds.
No. of cases outstanding at end of 1956 1)
No. of new cases considered during 1957 41 f 42
No. of admissions to hospital or Part III accommodation 241
No. of cases who died before admission 4
No. of patients who refused hospital or hostel admission 3 41
No. of cases cancelled or deferred 6
No. of cases waiting Part III accommodation 4
No. of cases outstanding at end of 1957 1 1
It is a pleasure again to record the unfailing help and consideration
experienced from Dr. DeLargy at Langthorne Hospital,
and from Mr. R. S. J. Potter, Area Welfare Officer.
(c) Maternity.—The percentage of Walthamstow residents
admitted to Thorpe Coombe Maternity Hospital prior to the
appointed day was nearly 100. During 1957 Walthamstow
admissions were only 50 per cent, of the total.
(d) Infectious Diseases.—Patients from Walthamstow are
mainly admitted to St. Ann's Hospital, Tottenham. No difficulties
have been noted. The Consultant Physician in Infectious Diseases
has been very ready with Domiciliary Consultations, and has sent
helpful discharge reports.
(e) Geriatric Services and the Chronic Sick.—In June a
meeting was convened by the Leytonstone Hospital Group and was
held at Langthorne Hospital.
The meeting was attended by members and officers of all the
local health, welfare and sanitary authorities in the area served by
the hospital, of the local Medical Committees of Essex, East and
West Ham, of the National Assistance Board, and of the various
voluntary organisations and the Hospital Management Committee.