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643 cases of measles and 48 cases of scarlet fever were notified.
Almost all these were mild cases. There were 35 cases of whooping
cough; due to immunisation the incidence of this complaint has fallen
considerably in recent years.
17 cases of food poisoning and 13 cases of dysentery were notified,
All of these were either isolated cases or confined to the same
household.
An outbreak of food poisoning occurred at the Junior Occupation
Centre for Mental Defectives in Wanstead. Eight children and two
members of the Staff were affected. The causal organism was
considered to be a staphylococcus which was harboured in the nose
of a member of the Staff. The person concerned was suspended from
duty and received treatment following which she was rendered
non-infectious.
Care of the Aged
The problem of the elderly is an ever-increasing one.
In the report of the Domestic Help Organiser mention is made of
the difficulty which arises at times in maintaining an adequate service,
Normally the recruitment of home helps will just enable us to do this
but during holiday periods and in the first three months of the year
when sickness among both the old people and the helps themselves
is at its peak, the service given is less than one would wish. Every
effort is made to recruit helps of whom 120 are employed in the
Borough. I would pay tribute to the excellent work which these
women are doing. In many cases they become friends of the recipients
who look forward to their visits as a break in an otherwise lonely
existence.
Visits made by Health Visitors to aged persons more than doubled
during the year—332 in 1959 compared with 161 in the previous year,
Many of these visits are to patients who have been discharged from
Langthorne Hospital and concerning whom the hospital receives
reports as to how the patient is progressing at home. An excellent
liaison is thus maintained and, should any deterioration in condition
be noted, the question of readmission can be reviewed.
By co-operation between family doctor, district nurse and home
help many elderly chronic sick not in need of actual hospital treatment
are being cared for adequately at home.
Staff
By arrangement with the Essex County Council Dr. J. T. Jones, an
Assistant County Medical Officer of Health, whose work is mainly in
Wanstead and Woodford, was appointed to act as my Deputy during
my absence from the Borough. For these services he receives an
honorarium.
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