View report page

54
the County, was held at the Shire Hall, Chelmsford, to discuss ways and
means for effecting "the conquest of Consumption throughout the
County."
An Association was subsequently formed, and the Lord Lieutenant
of the County appealed for subscriptions to establish one or more
central hospitals for dealing with Consumptives in the early stages and
for the provision of "Lyster Shelters," which could be lent to patients
for erection on ground at or near their own homes.
The movement so far as I can gather from the Press has not yet had
the financial support that it deserves, although designed as a memorial
to our late King.
It appeals to me that the provision of hospitals and shelters should be
the duty of Sanitary Authorities, and to encourage them to undertake
that duty, the County Council should contribute under the Isolation
Hospitals Act; the funds from voluntary subscriptions being more
usefully spent in assisting the families of consumptives while under
treatment.
Once adequate provision was made for the treatment of the disease,
sufferers in the early stages would soon apply, particularly as those
depending on them would be looked after, and within ten years Phthisis
would become a rare disease.
The West Ham Infirmary utilizes about one hundred beds for this
disease.
No other provision is made here.
Diseases of the Respiratory Organs other than
Phthisis.—These caused 233 deaths, as in 1909, compared with
213 in 1908, 299 in 1907, 208 in 1906, and 236 in 1905.
OTHER DISEASES.
Erysipelas.—Two deaths were registered from this cause, but 24
others were due to "other septic diseases."
The deaths from Erysipelas are yearly a negligible quantity, and there
seems no legitimate reason for classing it as a dangerous infectious
disease, judging by the rarity with which a second case in the same
house arises.
Cancer. —Seventy-four deaths were returned as due as to this
disease, as against 61 in 1909, 94 in 1908, and 75 in 1907. Twentythree
of the deaths were in persons of 65 years of age.
Alcoholism—Cirrhosis of the Liver. Ten deaths were
attributed to Cirrhosis, and five to Alcoholism. The latter can hardly
be looked upon as an expression of the facts as known by every-day
experience, and must be accepted cum grano salis.
Death certificates are seldom given with any idea of the part they
play in directing public attention to social evils.