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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 stalf of St. John's Hospital, Uxbridge, would carry out this work.
Provision of Antitoxin and Vaccine Lymph
The Council provides diphtheria antitoxin free to local practitioners in the district.
This antitoxin is 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.
Scabies and Lice
During 1963, twenty-eight cases of scabies and contacts were brought to the notice of
the Department. Cleansing for head lice was needed for one family, but on two different
occasions, making 13 individuals requiring cleansing station treatment. There was also one
case of pediculosis pubis. Baths and treatment were arranged at Hammersmith Cleansing
Station by courtesy of Hammersmith Borough Council.
The results of the routine school surveys in cleanliness was not good; the number
inspected was very little greater than in 1962. The number requiring treatment was almost
as high (only one less) than in that year and was three times as great as in 1961, and compulsory
cleansing was needed for an increased number.
Treatment of school children is normally carried out by private practitioners or in the
ordinary Middlesex County Council Clinics, but on failure of treatment, or in cases of bad
infestation, the Borough Council facilities are requested.
Details of head inspections in schools are to be found in Table XI, page 66.
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