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Small-pox.— The Council's hospital at Dagenham was originally
intended for the treatment of Small-pox patients, but owing
to the general immunity from this disease in and around London,
which extended over several years, the Council considered it expedient
to use the buildings as a Sanatorium for Tuberculosis.
Arrangements were subsequently made with the Orsett Joint Hospital
Board to treat not only Sporadic cases of Small-pox from
West Ham, but those occurring in certain South-West Essex districts.
In 1897 agreements with West Ham were ultimately entered
into for seven years for the treatment of Small-pox with ten
neighbouring Authorities—-having a total population (including
West Ham) of 572,642. The agreements have from time to time
been renewed, and in addition representations have since been
made to include eleven other districts.
The Authorities at present under agreement represent a total
population (including West Ham) of 1,031,797.
The only hospital accommodation in South-West Essex for
the treatment of Small-pox being that provided by the Orsett Joint
Hospital Board, who have a building capable of accommodating
twenty-two patients.
The agreements specify that in the event of the Orsett Hospital
having at any time its full complement of Small-pox patients,
the Council shall, upon notice thereof from the Board, provide
accommodation at the Council's Hospital at Dagenham.
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