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(3) INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER ACCOMMODATION
FOR THE SICK.
I have the honour to submit a further report (the tenth of a
series) upon the above-named matter, though there is very little
that can be added to my previous reports upon the same problem.
The urgency of providing further hospital accommodation has
again been emphasised by the Minister of Health in a letter to the
Town Clerk dated December 20th, 1933.
In a letter to the Council dated June 29th, 1931, the Ministry
of Health stressed the fact that in the interests of West Ham
their position as regards Essex and East Ham should be put on a
clearer footing before they embark on a building programme based
on the needs of the old Union.
The full scheme set out in my report of January, 1931,
assumed that the agreement with East Ham and Essex would
extend over a period of twenty-five years. It is manifestly
impossible to estimate the amount of future accommodation needed
if at any time anything up to fifty per cent. of the cases may be
withdrawn, though I am confident that if the scheme referred to
is carried out there need be no wastage of accommodation at any
reasonable future time.
Though there is still need for the full scheme there are
obviously some sections of it more urgent than others. The most
urgent is the provision of extra accommodation for chronic sick
cases (as a reference to my report of March, 1932, will clearly
show). Almost as urgent is the need of suitable accommodation
for children : a visit to the adult wards at Whipps Cross Hospital
will demonstrate this, where it will be seen that children's cots
abound between the beds for adult patients, in the centre of the
wards and in the day rooms. Extension of premises for the staff
at Whipps Cross Hospital is also necessary.
If and when the above is completed, there is the remainder of
the full scheme to be considered. Additional beds for pulmonary
tuberculosis cases are needed, and Dagenham Sanatorium could
be made to accommodate fifty more patients, though preferably
new buildings should be erected at Langdon Hills.
The number of convalescent beds needed might be arranged
tor at the Margate Convalescent Home, but I am of opinion that
this institution should be disposed of and more suitable premises
obtained.
A new Tuberculosis Dispensary is very desirable, and should
form part of a general municipal out-patient department (with
special clinics) situated in the borough as outlined in my report
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