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There should be, in my opinion, no definite separation of the
various institutions in regard to the exact number and type of
case suitable for admission. All beds should be pooled and as
far as is practicable used to the best possible purpose. Naturally,
infectious diseases should receive proper consideration in the
light of recent research.
I have issued several memoranda during the past few years
on various matters concerning institutional accommodation, viz.,
I. In 1928 a statement showing the need for hospital accommodation
for cases of pneumonia, whooping cough and measles,
and also for babies suffering from wasting and allied diseases.
II. and III. In 1929 and 1930 two separate memoranda concerning
the taking over of the Poor Law Institutions by the Public
Assistance Committee.
IV. In May, 1930, a report pointing out emphatically the
unsuitability of certain wards at the Central Home for the proper
treatment of the sick.
A similar statement has been made by me on several occasions
to the Public Assistance Committee in regard to the Forest Gate
Hospital.
V. In 1931 I circulated a comprehensive report upon the
whole of the institutional accommodation of the borough to every
member of the Council. (Reprint herewith as directed by the
Council.)
VI. In March, 1932, a further report was issued to the
Public Assistance Committee in regard to institutional accommodation
with special reference to overcrowding.
VII. In June, 1932, a memorandum on accommodation at
Plaistow Hospital and Harold Wood Hospital for Children was
circulated to members of the Hospitals Committee setting out
various alternative methods for using Harold Wood and Plaistow
Hospitals, as owing to the very big drop in the number of notified
cases of infectious diseases these institutions had not been used to
their full capacity for some time.
VIII. In November, 1932, a report upon the Margate Convalescent
Home was issued.
In conclusion, I am of opinion that it is essential at once to
provide many extra beds to meet adequately the demands and
needs of the sick population of this borough.
F. GARLAND COLLINS,
Medical officer ot Health and
Chief School Medical Officer.
Municipal Health Offices,
Romford Road, E.15.
February, 1933.
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