London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
East Ham 1904
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for East Ham]
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SCARLET FEVER.
| 1903. | 1904. | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of cases notified | 659 | 711 |
| N umber of deaths registered | 13 | 10 |
| Death-rate per 1,000 living | 0.1l | 0.08 |
| Case-rate per 1,000 | 5.99 | 6.12 |
| Case mortality per cent. | 1.9 | 1.40 |
| Cases removed to Hospital | 320 | 334 |
| Deaths in Hospital | 5 | 5 |
| Hospital case-mortality per cent. | 1.8 | 1.4 |
| Cases transferred to Convalescent Home | 225 | 246 |
The Scarlet Fever Hospital is of a temporary character, and,
although it has done good service, it is now inadequate to comply
with the demands of the Borough.
When first used as a Scarlet Fever Hospital the
population was about 40,000 persons, and to-day there are three
times that number. The Hospital has 32 beds, and the Convalescent
Home 28, making 60 beds for the treatment of this disease, but I
am of opinion that there should be 60 beds independent of the
Convalescent Home for a population of 120,000.
Plans and estimates have been considered and agreed to for a
new Scarlet Fever Hospital, to provide accommodation for 60
beds, and I shall be glad when the building is completed.
The building is to be of a permanent character designed for
future requirements for some time to come.
The Scarlet Fever Convalescent Home is situated in the
Central Park. 246 patients have been treated there during the
year. The patients remain at the Home for a considerable time
after desquamating, with a view of preventing return cases.
Although during the year under review there has been an
occasional return case, I am of opinion that the Home is doing an
essentially good work.
"Return Cases" seem to be inevitable with the isolation of
Scarlet Fever in Hospitals.