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8
only two portions; in one side were Scarlet Fever cases, in
the other Small Pox, so that it was fortunate that all the
cases were of one sex. An inspection of the Workhouse
was made but the reason for the disease spreading in
the way it did was not ascertained; but as the infection
went round corners, and passed over many who were equally
susceptible, as far as can be judged, to those attacked, it
appears to me that the entire want of system in the
arrangements for the treatment of infectious disease must be
credited with the blame. No trained nurse was placed in
charge of the sick men, who were handed over to the tender
mercies of fellow paupers, who, with the best intentions, could
not be. efficient nurses. At least, if efficient nurses, why were
they not earning their livelihood as such, instead of burdening
the rates? It would, in my opinion, be a much better
arrangement if all infectious diseases occurring in the Workhouse
were treated in the proposed Isolation Hospital under
the direct control of the Sanitary Authority.
One other fresh case was introduced into the Workhouse,
having been sent there from Hampton. This appears to me
to have been a most extraordinary arrangement, as the
Hampton authorities have a hospital to which they might
have sent this man, at a small cost, instead of sending him
into the midst of a crowded workhouse, where if all the susceptible
persons had not been already attacked, he would
have started an epidemic, in the same way, as did the first
case brought from the Back Lanes. If my suggestion were
carried out, such a patient would be taken to the Borough
Sanatorium, and the cost of his maintenance charged to the
district from whence he came.
4 cases have also occurred in the Norbiton district. Each
case was carefully isolated, and placed in charge of a trained
nurse, and all persons in attendance were re-vaccinated.
The houses in each case were subsequently stripped and
fumigated and all articles likely to carry infection were
destroyed. The cost was considerable, but justified in the
result, no case having been the cause of infection spreading
to others.
One of these cases was a man who had been working at a
laundry in connection with the Small Pox hulks at Long
Reach. He had declined to be re-vaccinated on going to this
work, on the ground that those men whose arms were so
much affected by the vaccination as to prevent their working
for a day or two, lost the job and received no compensation.
If this statement is correct it seems to be a hardship that requires
attention.