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Most of the cases of infectious disease were nursed at home, but it was
found necessary to remove 18 cases of scarlet fever, and 1 case of measles,
to hospital, to ensure adequate isolation.
There were no cases of poliomyelitis notified during the year. On
page 21 will be found information concerning the campaign for immunisation
against poliomyelitis. Immunisation was available in 1959 for
children and young persons born between 1933 and 1959, expectant
mothers, and recognised medical services.
It is satisfactory to note that very many more people availed themselves
of the immunisation procedure offered by the government.
By the end of the year 8,157 persons had received two injections
against poliomyelitis, and 6,241 a third injection.
For the eleventh year there were no cases of diphtheria notified. The
immunisation against this disease continues to occupy a large place in
the work of the department, both in children attending Infant Welfare
Centres and Schools in the Borough.
The care of the aged was again, in 1959, a major part of the social
work of the department.
The Home Help Service continued to give considerable alleviation in
the homes of the aged, and prevented many cases from being removed,
to hospital. A close liaison exists with the Geriatric department of St.
Helier Hospital, and also with the W.V.S., the latter having continued
throughout the year, the Meals on Wheels Service. This proved very
beneficial in maintaining standards of nutrition for old people, many of
whom are unable to cook for themselves.
An expansion of the scheme took place in September, 1959, when a
Luncheon Club for the aged was opened on one day a week at the Baptist
Church Hall, Queen's Road. This venture has proved very successful,
and caters on an average for 40 old age pensioners.
During the year, the local Council commenced a project in Maldon
Road, for providing self-contained one-room flatlets, in a large house they
acquired. It is hoped that this will be completed in 1960, and provide
accommodation for 10 old people.
An event took place in January of this year, of considerable importance
to the health services in the Borough. I refer to the disastrous fire at the
Grange Mansion, London Road, Hackbridge, on the night of January
9/10th. Although this fire took place in 1960, it was at the beginning of
the year, and so close to 1959, as to make comment more valuable in this
report, than in the report on 1960.
As a result of the fire, new clinic facilities for school children, and
children below the age of five years, as well as nursing and expectant
mothers, had to be provided immediately. The following services were
dealt with:—
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