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4
Would be much difficulty in improving our position,
for a glance at the table (A) will show that our
death rate is as high as it is in consequence of a
high zymotic death rate. Now this zymotic death
rate is only slightly below the average for England
and Wales. As I have frequently shown, we have
a large population of children, and it is at this
period of life that the zymotic diseases show their
power. Has the best possible means been taken to
grapple with this class of disease? I am sorry to
be obliged to answer that question in the negative
for the following reasons:—
Firstly, we have no isolation hospital, and we
are almost the last amongst our neighbours to make
this provision, whilst from the constitution of our
population we are the most in need of one.
Secondly, Diphtheria is our most fatal disease,
and the fatality arises from the absence of ready
means to diagnose the disease early. The establishment
of a Bacteriological laboratory, preferably in
connection with a hospital, would enable the medical
practitioners to arrive at an early diagnosis of the
disease, and would also enable them to certify
convalescence with greater certainty.
Thirdly, because Measles is not at present
notifiable, and it is therefore only possible to deal
with the disease when it becomes to such an extent
epidemic that it is necessary to close schools.
Fourthly, because the fatality from Diphtheria
and Measles is largely increased by dampness.
Though much has been done to remedy this by
laying new surface water drains, there still remain
many other improvements to be carried out, to
which I have, from time to time, drawn your
attention. The course of the old Latchmere