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9
Immunization.
The diphtheria immunization scheme has continued as in former
years. The response has been good and the figures given in Section F
are realistic and as accurate as possible.
Immunization against whooping cough has become very popular
indeed and nearly every baby is now given a combined diphtheriawhooping
cough vaccine. This not only reduces the total number
of injections required to confer immunity but probably gives a greater
degree of immunity to both diseases than when the prophylactics are
given separately.
The number of infants vaccinated against smallpox is remarkably
high, when compared with other parts of the country. This must be
a reflection of the energetic propaganda carried on by the Health
Visitors and the sensible appreciation of modern preventive measures
by most of the Richmond mothers.
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACTS, 1948 and 1951.
Removal to suitable premises of persons in need of care and
attention.
Once again no action was taken under the above Acts during the
year 1953.
There were numerous cases of old or infirm persons who required
help but in every case some solution was found which made compulsory
removal unnecessary. Although the powers conferred by the
Acts may be essential in a few cases one cannot but help being reluctant
to remove by compulsion any old or infirm person who is of
sound mind.
The difficulty of getting elderly patients into hospital beds for the
chronic sick is just as great. The solution to the problem is not easy
and I am afraid that there is little likelihood of an improvement in
the immediate future. Improvement in the local geriatric services
would be a step in the right direction but the immediate need is more
beds.
In really bad cases I continue to have the active co-operation of the
Physician Superintendent of Kingston Hospital who controls beds
for the chronic sick, and of the Divisional Welfare Officer who is