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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 obtained 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.
Scabies and Lice
During 1959, three cases of infestation with scabies and one contact of a case were brought
to the Public Health Department for cleansing. Baths and treatment were arranged at
Hammersmith Cleansing Station by courtesy of Hammersmith Borough Council. In
addition from one house with multiple occupation, one case was treated and three contacts
declared clear by private practitioners.
Table XI gives details of head inspections in schools. There seems to be a marked
decrease in the amount of work being done for this purpose—as the total figure in 1956 for
inspections was 17,245, more than double the number inspected in 1959, i.e. 8,016. In that
year, for the total number inspected, 28 were found to be verminous, yet with an inspection
of half the number, 23 infections were found, giving no grounds for complacency.
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