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and in November the Sanitary Committee made the undermentioned
proposals which were confirmed by the Council
the following month:—
The erection of a Scarlet Fever pavilion containing
twenty beds;
The extension of the existing Administrative
Block so as to provide ten additional bed rooms,
needlewoman's room, two bath rooms, and office,
store room and coal store;
The extension of the Laundry Block, provision
for the installation of a combined disinfecter and
washer, a larger ironing room, and additional drying
closets,
the estimated cost of the whole of these proposed extensions
being £'7,851.
Although, in comparison, there is an appreciable difference
in the extent of the accommodation provided for in
each scheme, it will be noticed that there is more than a
proportional reduction in the estimates, the former costing
£423 per bed, whilst the second estimate gives the cost of
each bed at £392.
As this increased permanent means of isolation is sorely
needed if all patients are to be removed for whom application
is made, 1 sincerely trust the work will be commenced
during the ensuing year and completed as early as possible.
Whilst on the subject of hospital accommodation for
the reception and treatment of Scarlet Fever patients, I
might mention that the question has frequently been discussed
of late at some length by various Local Authorities
and Public Health Associations as to whether the provision
of Isolation Hospitals really tends towards the reduction of
the prevalence of the disease and especially as to whether
the large sums which are constantly being spent by the
ratepayers in providing buildings and equipment are justified
by the results achieved. In other words are the benefits
derived commensurate with the expense incurred?
In this connection it is interesting to note the spirit of a
recent resolution of the Metropolitan Asylums Board, viz.:—
"That in view of the continued prevalence of
Scarlet Fever, notwithstanding the extensive isolation
accommodation which has been provided, the Local
Government Board be asked to cause an inquiry to be
instituted into the cause of the disease, and whether
any, and if so, further what means can be adopted for
its prevention."
An inquiry of this character appears to me to be moving
in the right direction and efforts should certainly be made
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