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for Adults with Pulmonary Tuberculosis, but owing to an outbreak
of smallpox at Easter, 1920, the Hospital had to be promptly
cleared of consumptive patients and revert to its primary use, a
costly and very inconvenient undertaking, as only 30 smallpox
cases were admitted. Fortunately in 1922 the Council was
enabled to enter into agreement with the Orsett Joint Hospital
•Bioard whereby the latter authority will admit sporadic cases of
smallpox, up to 22 in number, sent to their Hospital by West
Ham, thus enabling the Council to continue using Dagenham
Hospital for the reception of Tuberculosis until the increasing
pressure on the accommodation of the Orsett Hospital compels,
the Council to re-open Dagenham Hospital for smallpox cases
(see Annual Report for 1925).
The total number of beds available for tuberculosis cases at
Dagenham Sanatorium is now 128.
(5) A Sanatorium to accommodate 40 children suffering from
Tuberculosis has now been built (with the sanction of the Ministry
of Health) at the Council's Langdon Hills site. This site was
purchased in 1014 with the object of erecting upon it a Sanatorium
for adults suffering from Tuberculosis, but for many reasons it
has so far been found impracticable to carry out this proposal.
The site comprises 100 acres, and is situated in one of the highest
parts of Essex, overlooking the mouth of the Thames. It is about
20 miles distant from West Ham and 270 feet above sea level.
The existing farmhouse on the site was adapted to provide
quarters for the Nursing Staff, and new buildings were erected
far patients and domestic staff. The new buildings are of the
bungalow type, and constructed of Frazzi material.
The main building consists of a long pavilion with accommodation
for boys on one side and girls on the other, with a centreblock
containing ward, scullery, drying rooms, stores, linen, lavatory,
sink room, and immediately behind is the heating chamber.
Each wing has one large ward, capable of accommodating 14
beds, and three small wards to accommodate 2 beds each. A
small isolation ward is situated at the extreme end. In front of
the middle of the pavilion there is a schoolroom to accommodate
thirty pupils. The Dining Hall is so constructed that three of the
sides can be thrown completely open.
The opening ceremony, which took place on the 2Gth October,
1927, was performed by the Mayor of West Ham.
Patients were first admitted on the 12th December, 1927.
Previously children suffering from Pulmonary Tuberculosis
were treated at different institutions not under the control of theCouncil
but approved by the Ministry of Health.
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