Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Twickenham]
This page requires JavaScript
8
Admissions.
The total number of admissions to the Hospital during the year was 147, the number
admitted during the previous year being 139.
Of the admissions, 96 were cases of Scarlet Fever; 27 Diphtheria; 1 Erysipelas; 1
Measles; 1 Meningitis; while of the remaining 21 cases, "the diagnosis was not confirmed on
observation. There was 1 death from Diphtheria and 1 death from Meningitis secondary to old
standing middle ear suppuration.
The greatest number of occupied beds on any one day was 23. The cases of Scarlet Fever
exceeded the accommodation officially available for this disease on thirty days, but by use of the
cubicle block it was possible to deal satisfactorily with all cases admitted.
Twickenham was fortunate throughout the year in experiencing a somewhat low incidence
of infectious disease, and in consequence it was possible to admit thirty-two cases from other
Authorities who were less fortunate. The number of cases admitted from the Borough of
Twickenham was therefore 115.
The necessity for the provision of additional accommodation both for patients and staff
has been mentioned repeatedly in the reports for recent years, but as this question will have to
be faced by the Joint Hospital Board as soon as it is established, no useful purpose would appear
to be served by referring to it in detail now.
The equipment of the wards and administration block has been maintained in a state of
efficiency, but in view of the uncertainty of the position which the hospital may occupy in the
future, no structural alterations or additions have been made. It must be pointed out, however,
that although the amount of infectious disease occurring in the Borough was small during 1933,
the same fortunate condition cannot be expected to continue, and the question of the provision of
additional accommodation should be considered without waiting for the actual formation of the
proposed Joint Board, otherwise it may be found that even a comparatively moderate outbreak
of Scarlet Fever or Diphtheria in Twickenham or the neighbouring districts will find the hospital
accommodation for infectious diseases entirely inadequate to deal with the situation.
Other Hospitals.
The only general hospital in the Borough is St. John's Hospital. The management is by
voluntary Committee and there is no resident medical staff. The new X-Ray department was
opened during the year and the number of beds has now been increased to 34. Although there
is no outpatient department, casualties and emergencies are dealt with in large numbers.
The other hospitals largely used by Twickenham residents are the West Middlesex County
Hospital, Isleworth, and the Royal Hospital, Richmond. In addition to these, extensive use
is made of the general and special hospitals in London.
The Corporation again made a subscription of £105 to the Royal Hospital, Richmond,
during the year.
Maternity and Nursing Homes.
There is no municipal maternity home in the Borough, but there are private nursing
homes to almost all of which maternity cases are admitted.
Following is a list of clinics and treatment centres within the borough :—
Name. | Address. | Davs of Attendance. | Bv whom provided. |
---|---|---|---|
Maternity and Child Welfare Clinic. | York house | Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, at 2 p.m. | Twickenham Council |
Infant Welfare Centre and Branch School Clinic | Murray Park hall, Whitton | Mondays, 2.30 p.m. | ditto |
Ante-natal Clinic | York house | Second and last Friday in each month | ditto |
School Clinic, including minor ailments, dental and ophthalmic clinics | York house | Daily | Twickenham Education Committee |
Tuberculosis Dispensary | 1 Staines Road | Wednesdays, 10 a.m. | Middlesex County Council |
Ambulances.
Two motor ambulances are provided by the Council, one for non-infectious and casualty
cases and one for the removal of patients to the Infectious Diseases Hospital. Both are staffed
and maintained by the Fire Brigade, and the services in connection with both ambulances have
been entirely satisfactory.