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6
people have thought that the accumulation of Small-pox cases
in the Hospital Ships, in the river Thames, may have been a
cause of the disease, but seeing that they are three-quartersof-a-mile
away, I can hardly think it.
Cholera
Cholera.—In view of the probability of this disease
being introduced iuto the district through Tilbury Docks, the
steps taken last year were again adopted. A certificated
nurse was ordered to be obtained to attend on telegraphic
notice. An agreement was made to hire a cottage near
Tilbury Docks (for administrative purposes) with land on
which to erect tents. Two double tents have baen purchased.
Water-proof sheeting, hot water bottles, and a good supply
of mercuric disinfectant were got; arrangement was also
made to obtain the bedding from the wards at Union House
previously used as Infectious Hospital. The water supply to
the cottage is from a deep well at Low Street, tapped on its
way to supply the Railway cottages at Tilbury station.
Description of
Isolation Hospital
The Isolation Hospital stands in four acres of ground,
one-and-a-half acres of which (immediately surrounding the
Hospital) is enclosed in oak park palings, 6-ft 6-in, high,
and consists of a two-storied building, with downstairs rooms,
sitting room and kitchen, and two bedrooms over for caretaker,
there is a passage completely separating these rooms
downstairs from a sitting room and doctors' room, and three
rooms and bath-room over for nurses. The Hospital itself is
in the form of detached pavilions, in which three separate
diseases can be treated at the same time, both male and
female. There is also a Decker hut erected, capable of
holding five beds, and it is contemplated putting up huts oxtents
as occasion may require. There is a detached shed,
dead-house, wash house, and "Sulphur" chamber for disinfection.
The water supply is from a deep well (80 feet)
going down into the chalk. The staff at the Hospital
consists of a caretaker and his wife and a female servant,
further nursing help is obtained as required. 40 cases of
Small-pox and one case of Scarlet Fever were treated.
There were two deaths from Small-pox, both admitted from
West Thurrock—of the 41 cases admitted 21 were from
Orsett district and 20 from Grays Local Board.
Sanitary requirements
Drainage of West Thurrock and South Stiff ord,
"Urban powers " for remainder of district.
Sanitary Staff
The Sanitary Staff consists of myself and an Inspector
of Nuisances, who is also Surveyor, and who is in constant
communication with me.