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not for the purpose for which Isolation Hospitals were founded,
but in the interests of the patient and the relief of domestic
strain. The admission and treatment of such cases is a severe
and sometimes sudden strain on the resources of a small Isolation
Hospital. With a view, therefore, to meet these and other
circumstances, as Medical Superintendent of the Hospital at
Mortlake, I have been lately empowered to make provisional
arrangements for the reception of certain patients at an
adjustable weekly charge.
It is not, however, the practice of the Council to recover
the charges legally due in ordinary cases when removal is dictated
by regard to the public health, though charges are made if
persons other than ratepayers, or persons requiring private wards,
are admitted.
Typhoid Fever is certain to become more frequent as the
district becomes more urban and means of communication are
multiplied, and the question of hospital treatment, therefore,
requires consideration.
A few cases of Measles were admitted in the Spring from
the Children's Home, Barnes, under special arrangement with
the Guardians, at a time when the Hospital was almost empty.
In the Autumn, the outbreak of Small Pox in London led
to the consideration of what should be done in the event of the
disease appearing in this district, as no means of isolation had
been devised when the old Highgate Hospital (to which cases
were formerly sent), became disused.
Communications were made to the authorities of every
Small Pox Hospital (including the Metropolitan Asylums Board)
within reach, but in each case a reply was received that the
admission of cases from Barnes could not, under the circumstances,
be entertained.