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47
ISOLATION HOSPITAL.
Diphtheria.—Nearly 80 per cent of all the cases notified as
suffering from Diphtheria were removed to the Sanatorium, and the
accommodation provided—24 beds in two pavilions—proved more
than sufficient for the needs of the district.
In August, due to our continuing freedom from this disease, and
Scarlet Fever prevalence, the Hospital Committee decided to reduce
the Diphtheria accommodation one-half, and since then no trouble has
been experienced in accommodating all the cases seeking admission.
The change was effected on my advice, as I considered it much
easier to control the spreading of Diphtheria than Scarlet Fever by
efficient oversight of our school children.
Half of those admitted to Hospital failed to give a positive bacteriological
reaction, although 16 of the 70 negatives were undoubtedly
Diphtheria.
Allowing for the difficulty of recognition of Diphtheria in its early
stages, the proportion of cases needlessly removed from home, seems
high, and where the circumstances of the family permit of efficient
isolation, recourse to bacteriological diagnosis before notification should
be more frequently made.
Every facility for such is provided for by your Authority, and with
its fuller use and early serum injection much expense to the public
might have been avoided.
Scarlet Fever.—The beds now set apart for this disease are
nominally 69. but actually more, as the 12-bed cubicle pavilion is
mainly occupied by Scarlatinal patients.
The beds are distributed in four blocks; two for patients with acute
and sub-acute symptoms, one for convalescents, and one used as
a discharge block, where patients are kept for a week or so under
conditions simulating home life. About 70 per cent. of all the cases
notified went to the Sanatorium, and a further 6 per cent. were dealt
with in hospitals elsewhere.
During July and August every bed became occupied, and the
Hospital unable to accommodate all willing and anxious for removal.
In consequence, some were refused admittance, and others were not
removed for some days following notification.