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The total number of deaths from cancer in 1957 fell, being 113 as compared with 132
in 1956. Cancer of the lung in males, although the highest individual figure for site of
disease, was five less than in 1956.
Distribution of Infectious Disease Notifications
For the incidence of various infectious diseases notified during the year, under age
groups and locality, see Appendix, Tables VII and VIII.
Infectious Disease Visits
During the year, the Public Health Inspectors paid 183 visits with reference to cases of
infectious disease. In addition, the County Health Visitors did a certain amount of home
and school visiting in connection with infectious diseases.
Laboratory Work
Specimens taken for bacteriological or chemical investigation, in connection particularly
with infectious disease cases, are brought daily to the Manor House and transported to the
Ealing Public Health Laboratory. The necessary investigations are carried out and results
reported simultaneously to the Medical Officer of Health and to the doctor who has submitted
the specimen from one of his patients. Details of the work carried out in 1957 are as follows:—
Faeces specimens 230
Sputum specimens 3
Blood specimens 10
Urine specimens 44
Swabs (nose, throat, ear and rectal) 53
Disinfection
In cases of infectious disease, rooms, clothing, etc., were disinfected—rooms by
sealing and fumigating with a formalin preparation; clothing, bedding and other infected
articles by removal for disinfection.
Lists of premises, articles, etc., disinfected during the year.
Rooms 10 Eiderdowns 9
Beds 11 Pillows 27
Blankets 25 Plimsolls (routine disinfection
Mattresses 11 during holiday for Feather-
Sheets 14 stone Road School) (pairs) 105
Books 19 Miscellaneous articles -
Three Wards at Mount Pleasant Hospital, on change of ward use from Male Tuberculosis
treatment to Geriatric treatment.
Smallpox Disinfection
In the event of smallpox occurring within the district and disinfection being required
on a considerable scale, arrangements have been made whereby this could be carried out.
An agreement was made with the North-West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board whereby
in such an event the staff of St. John's Hospital, Uxbridge, would carry out this work.
Provision of Antitoxin and Vaccine Lymph
The Council provides diphtheria antitoxin and tetanus antitoxin free to local practitioners
in the district. These antitoxins are obtainable from the Public Health Department
during office hours and by direct request to the Medical Officer of Health at other times.
In the event of emergency supplies of vaccine lymph being required, they are obtainable
at very short notice.
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