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40
*ASSISTANCE TO HOUSEHOLDERS IN CASE OF
EPIDEMICS.
In November 1945 the Ministry of Health issued Circular 196
calling upon Local Authorities to renew their precautions against a
possible winter epidemic.
The revised plans included the provision of extra medical, nursing
and domestic assistance, together with the cooking and delivery of
meals.
In compliance with this Circular a meeting was arranged with
representatives of the former W.V.S. (Housewives' Service) and
afterwards with officers of the various voluntary organisations
operating locally. In this way, the central framework of an Emergency
Epidemic Service was established, links being secured with certain
subsidiary organisations set up in different parts of the Borough and
known as Good-Neighbours' Schemes.
Notice was then circulated to hospitals, doctors, nurses and all
other appropriate persons, announcing that the Epidemic Service was
ready to go into action if the Minister should declare a state of
emergency. Although in fact no such emergency arose during the
winter, it was felt that a most useful foundation had been laid for any
similar scheme in the future.
PRECAUTIONS AGAINST TYPHUS AND
SMALLPOX.
With the close of hostilities in May, there developed a greater
flow of passengers returning from the Continent by air and sea
transport.
In view of the presence in Europe of both smallpox and typhus,
this led to a sudden increase in the number of contacts requiring
supervision after their arrival.
The following figures serve to show the extent of this work in
Richmond. The Council will already be aware that no case of either
of these diseases occurred in the Borough during 1945.