View report page

3
The Council have decided to allow the Medical Practitioners in the district to
submit any doubtful swab for Bacteriological examination, which will have the effect of
providing a means for the detection of cases of Diphtheria in the early stages.
Two cases of Enteric Fever were notified in the Autumn, one of whom was removed
to Hospital. Both cases were traced to contaminated shell-fish, and I am glad to
report that both patients have recovered.
Scarlet Fever in a mild type was prevalent during the Spring and Autumn.
At the end of May I advised the closure of the Infant School at Hampton Hill
owing to a severe outbreak of Whooping Cough and Mumps, as I found on enquiry that
nearly 50 per cent, of the scholars were affected. The Council acted upon my advice, and
the school was closed for three weeks.
All rooms wherein infectious illness occurs are fumigated with Formalin, and in
addition a considerable number were stripped and cleansed.
Bedding and clothing are disinfected at the Isolation Hospital in a steam disinfecting
apparatus.
Isolation Hospital.—The Hospital, which is situated within the district, comprises
a pavilion with four wards; kitchens; bathrooms and lavatories; an administrative block;
laundry and steam disinfecting apparatus; mortuary and coach house.
The Council are at present considering a proposal to increase the efficiency of the
Hospital by the erection of a porter's lodge, and discharging wards.
A fitted ambulance is provided for the removal of patients, and is kept iu readiness
at the Hospital.
The residence of the Medical Superintendent is connected to the Hospital by telephone.
The total number of cases from the district treated at the Isolation Hospital during
the year was 51.
Water Supply and Service.—The whole of this district is supplied on the constant
service system from the mains of the Metropolitan Water Board, and the service has been
well maintained.
Several pumping stations belonging to the Board are situated in the district, and
it was found necessary to serve notices for the abatement of the nuisance caused by the
black smoke from the chimneys.
Trade Premises.—The various trade premises, comprising slaughterhouses, bakehouses,
cowsheds and dairies, have been inspected at intervals during the year by myself and the
Inspector. It was found necessary in the case of certain bakehouses, slaughterhouses and
cowsheds, to require cleansing and limewashing, and the works were carried out without delay.
Regulations under the dairies, cowsheds and milkshops Order have been made by
the Council, and came into force in the district on September 1st.
I would again urge upon the occupiers of these trade premises, who deal with
a very considerable proportion of the food of the people, the great importance of paying
strict attention to the absolute cleanliness of their respective premises.
I have visited the Soap Works at intervals, and found the general conduct of
the business satisfactory.
Dwelling Houses.—One house which was in an unsatisfactory condition was closed
by the owner, and after considerable repairs, has been re-opened.
A considerable number of dwelling houses have been inspected, and sanitary improvements
have been effected in a large proportion of these premises.
Seven houses were found to be overcrowded and were promptly dealt with.
A further number of houses have been connected to the public sewer during the
year, involving the entire re-construcion of the drainage. 92 per cent, of the houses in
the district are now connected to the sewer.