Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Port of London]
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DENTON HOSPITAL
Although Denton Hospital has been taken over by the South-East Metropolitan Regional Hospital
Board under the National Health Service Act, the Port Health Authority continue to exercise,
through Dr. H.M. Willoughby, the Deputy Medical Officer, and the Assistant Port Medical Officers,
the medical supervision of cases admitted to the hospital.
The facilities provided by Denton Hospital were particularly valuable during the Asian Influenza
epidemic and at times the hospital was filled to capacity.
The number of cases admitted to the hospital in 1957 was as follows:—
Influenza 155
Malaria 2
Measles 36
Chickenpox 13
Mumps 1
Pneumonia 2
Miscellaneous 6
Total 215
s.s. "BLOEMFONTEIN CASTLE" - TYPHOID FEVER
Advance Infomation
27th May, 1957. The Marine Superintendent of the Union Castle Mail Steamship Co. Ltd.,
telephoned the following cable which had been sent off from the "Bloemfontein Castle" at
2.0 p.m. on the 26th May:—
"On 15th May, Mr. "A", a passenger, and on 19th May, Mr. "B", an Engineer, reported ill.
Both in hospital since they reported. Only symptoms, continued high temperature. On
receipt, 24th May, of a diagnosis of typhoid fever regarding "C", 3rd Radio Officer who
was left behind at Cape Town, arranged for laboratory tests at Las Palmas. Message now
received states that "B" definite typhoid, "A" strongly suggestive. Both receiving achromycin
and both improving but must be landed into hospital on arrival London. No others
suspected. Request you communicate Port Health for instructions regarding ship. Will
send bulletin each day. At present being delayed adverse weather. Will keep you informed.
Master."
It was further ascertained that the vessel carried approximately 600 passengers and her schedule
was to arrive at Gravesend at about 6.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 29th May, to go on the Tilbury
Landing Stage at about 7.0 a.m.; discharge of passengers to commence at about 10.30 a.m.; docking
at No. 10 Berth, King George V. Dock during the afternoon.
After giving the matter consideration, your Medical Officer decided to allow the vessel to proceed
to the Tilbury Landing Stage but nobody would be permitted to leave or board the vessel
until medical pratique had been granted and the Marine Superintendent was informed accordingly.
As the vessel was going to the Tilbury Landing Stage on the Essex side of the river, Dr.
W.T.G. Boul, your Consultant Physician and Medical Officer of the Thurrock Isolation Hospital
was informed of the circumstances and readily agreed to keep two beds vacant in his hospital for
reception of the cases.
In the meantime your Medical Officer consulted with Dr. Willoughby, your Deputy Medical
Officer, and it was arranged that the vessel should be boarded on arrival at Gravesend by himself,
Dr. Jones, Dr. Boul, Mr. Mackie, your Chief Health Inspector, and Mr. Gillis of the Office
staff. The Health Inspectors in the King George V. Dock were also instructed to stand by for
any necessary action required when the vessel docked.
Action taken on arrival
The vessel duly arrived off Gravesend at 09.45 hours on the 29th May, having called at the
following ports:—
Arrived
Departed
Durban
22.4.57
26.4.57
Laurenco Marques
27.4.57
28.4.57
Beira
29.4.57
3.5.57
Laurenco Marques
4.5.57
5.5.57
Durban
6.5.57
8.5.57
East London
9.5.57
9.5.57
Port Elizabeth
10.5.57
10.5.57
Cape Town
12.5.57
13.5.57
Walvis Bay
15.5.57
16.5.57
Las Palmas
24.5.57
25.5.57
Gravesend
29.5.57
The vessel was boarded as described above and the Declaration of Health showed three cases
of typhoid fever.
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