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34
The peeling of scarlatina gives the parents an object lesson, which is
lost in the case of diphtheria when the throat symptoms have
disappeared.
Of the 292 cases notified as scarlet fever, 167 were admitted into
hospital.
The Visiting Committee to the Sanatorium, recognising the inadequacy
of the present accommodation for our rapidly growing population, have
advised, and the Council ordered, that further provision be made.
In consequence, the Engineer has submitted revised plans to the Local
Government Board for a twelve-bed block for acute cases, with separate
cubicles, and a twenty-four bed block for convalescent cases under
12 years of age.
There was some difficulty with the planning of the twelve-bed block,
and, as it is altogether on principles hitherto unadopted, your Engineer,
accompanied by Councillors Good, Anderson, Amos, Barker and
myself, had an interview with the Medical Officer to the Board, and,
after explanations and a few minor alterations, sanction to the borrowing
of the money for the buildings will, no doubt, be given, after the formal
enquiry is held.
It is possible that the early summer may see building operations
commenced.
The Council felt more confidence in the advisability of extension on
financial grounds, since the County Council, to encourage proper
isolation provisions for infectious diseases throughout the county, are
contributing ten pounds per bed towards the maintenance of such.
With this contribution your authority will be called upon to provide
for little more money than under former conditions.
. Apart from the question of cost, proper and sufficient isolation
hospital accommodation is a necessity in such a district as yours.
I have received the following Report from the
Resident Medical Officer at the Sanatorium.
During the year 1903 there were admitted 258 patients.
Of these 172 were sent in as Scarlatina.
„ 86 „ „ Diphtheria.