London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Shoreditch 1862

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Shoreditch, Parish of St. Leonard]

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18
separate kit of clothes and bedding, which, for a long time, retain the
power of propagating Small-Pox. Now if the first patient attacked be
at once removed to a Small-Pox hospital, not only is a focus of infection
taken away from a susceptihle population, but time is given to protect
that population by vaccination. Wo have had most gratifying examples
of the efficacy of promptly putting an exposed population under the safeguard
of vaccination; and 1 have no doubt many lives might bo saved if
under emergencies such as that stated, time were gained to vaccinate.
Under this conviction, and knowing that the Small-Pox Hospital, at
Highgate, the refuge reliod upon by the Parish of Shorediteh, was overwhelmed
with the demands upon its resources, and was therefore closed
against more admissions, I had no hesitation in recommending the Vestry
to represent to the Board of Guardians the expediency of adopting the
course advised by the Association of Metropolitan Medical Officers of
Health. This course was to open in such situations as may be best
suited for the purpose, temporary buildings or wards for the reception
and treatment of Small-Pox patients. The Vestry did not adopt this
recommendation. But I still beg to urge, that the opportunity afforded
by the projection of a now workhouse, of amending a serious deficiency
in our sanitary administration should not bo lost. Tho fact that Shoroditeh
cannot rely upon the Highgate Hospital, ought to be accepted as
conclusive evidence that tho Parish ought to provide an independent
rofuge for its population.
It would not bo difficult to erect a small detached building near the
new workhouso, and to place it under the workhouse stall', to serve as a
Small-Pox Hospital.
Feeling that where a sanitary measure like vaccination is carried out
by compulsory enactments, it is right and oxpodient that all classes
should bo correctly informed as to tho individual and public advantages
contemplated in such enactments, I advised tho issue of a hand-bill froprinted
in tho appendix), setting forth tho social and legal disabilities
of neglecting Vaccination, and other information relating to Small-Pox
and Vaccination. This measure, I believe, has been useful in giving an
impetus to vaccination.
Alleged Nuisance from Noxious Vapours.—An alleged nuisanco arising
from the escape of acid vapours from an aqua-fortis manufactory has