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Other Diseases.
Cases in which the diagnosis was altered after admission are
included in this group, and also diseases which are not regularly
admitted:—Tonsillitis, 55; Vincent's Angina, 6; Quinsy, 3; Bronchitis,
2; Laryngitis, 14; Lymphatic leukaemia, 1; Conjunctivitis,
1; Cellulitis of neck, 1; Dermatitis, 1; Influenza, 4; Septic rash,
3; Enteritis, 4; Tubercular meningitis, 5; Cerebral haemorrhage,
1; cerebral tumour, 1; Tuberculosis, 1; No disease, 5.
Of these, 9 proved fatal as follows:—
Tubercular Meningitis 5 cases
Cerebral haemorrhage 1 ,,
Cerebral tumour 1 ,,
Tuberculosis 1 ,,
Lymphatic leukaemia 1 ,,
The Orange Convalescent Home.
This Home, which has accommodation for 50 cases, was
used throughout the year for patients convalescing from scarlet
fever. They were transferred there at the end of their second
week of illness, and their average duration of residence was 33
days. The total number of cases under treatment was 541. The
Home is situated in the country about 12 miles from Plaistow,
and the general health of the patients is greatly improved by the
open-air treatment which is carried on there during the summer
months. Towards the end of the year a carbon arc lamp was installed
to give artificial sunlight baths to the patients during the
winter months. I have not sufficient data at present to express an
opinion on this form of treatment, but I hope to do so next year.
Staff Illness.
All the probationers are Schick and Dick tested on their
arrival for duty, and those found susceptible to scarlet fever or
diphtheria are immunised. During the year one nurse who had
given a history of having had scarlet fever in childhood, but proved
to be Dick positive, contracted scarlet fever before she received
her first immunising dose. Another nurse who had been inoculated
against diphtheria contracted a mild attack of this disease 5
months later. There was no other case of scarlet fever or diphtheria
among the nursing staff. 33 nurses and maids were warded
for varying periods suffering from septic throat, and 56 others
were off duty for short periods with minor ailments. There were
no deaths.
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