South Yorkshire Times, February 2nd, 1934
Swinton U.D.C.
Scarlet Fever
Epidemic Anxiety and Suspicion
Longer Isolation Wanted
Amalgamation Doom
Several interesting subjects were raised at the monthly meeting of Swinton Urban Council on Wednesday. Mr. A. Russell presiding.
The Medical Officer (Dr. S. O. Hatherley) reported 26 cases of scarlet fever so far this month and 23 cases in December. The majority of the cases come from the Central Ward. “This last day or two I have not had so many cases reported, but I cannot say that the epidemic is subsiding,” said Dr. Hatherley, who went on to give particulars of cases which had aroused his suspicion that patients were being sent out of Wath Wood Hospital when still liable to cause infection. “There have been a number of suspicious cases throughout the year. It does look as though we get some patients discharged from the hospital when they are not clear of infection, I know it is difficult to state when the period of infection is ended. Opinion is divided on that question.”
In answer to Mr. M. Creighton, Dr. Hatherley said that in the event of the hospital being full, the majority of scarlet fever cases could not be property isolated at home. It was best to remove them to a suitable place. “They are not isolated merely to have the best nursing, but to keep down the danger of infection.” Most of the cases at present were of a mild type, but there was the risk of complications.
Again answering Mr. Creighton, Dr. Hatherley said there was a diversity of opinion on the fumigation of houses from where cases had been removed but he thought that when houses had been fumigated, and windows opened to let in sunshine and fresh air, there was little risk of further infection.
In answer to Mr. W. Chapell, Dr. Hatherley said that where suspicious cases had arisen, the first patients had been sent out of hospital within a month of admission. At one time they were kept in hospital at least six weeks. With the reduction of the period in hospital had come an increased risk of patients causing infection. “It is my opinion that the present period in hospital is not long enough although it lessens the cost to the authority.
Mr. Chapell congratulated Dr. Hatherley on his report, and added that everyone deplored the persistence of the epidemic. “I think we should act on the doctor’s report, accept his advice, and ask the Wath Joint Hospital Board to re-open this question of the period of isolation. A conference should be called to discuss the question.” There had been 40 cases notified in the township during the last two months. He wondered if they could appeal to the hospital authority to increase the accomodation.
Mr. Creighton, a member of the Hospital Board, said that at present Swinton was the hardest hit of the constituent authorities. Bolton, at one time, had suffered similar epidemics. Since 1908, Swinton had been very fortunate in the mater of infectious diseases. Now Swinton was having its “rainy day.”
In reply to Mr. Chappell, Mr. Creighton pointed out that the method of returning patients applied to all districts, and at present some of those districts had not a single case.
Diet of “Sunshine and Fresh Air
Mr. J. Kelly asked Dr. Hatherley if he could state how many of the patients’ parents were employed or unemployed. “It is allright the doctor talking about sunshine and fresh air, but that is what the majority of our people are living on today.” He thought that if residents could have better food, it would assist in clearing the district of the epidemic.
Dr. Hatherley said that when a district had an epidemic the people were left afterwards almost immune. Swinton, since 1908, had had few cases of infectious diseases, and there were now children who were liable to infection. He agreed that the lack of proper food would make them less able to withstand disease.
Mr. Chappell moved that the Council appeal to the Joint Hospital Board to re-consider the period of isolation and that the Swinton representatives place the views of the Council before the Board. It might be that members of other constituent authorities were of the same opinion. “I must add that I have the highest admiration of the treatment given at Wath Wood Hospital.”
Mr. Kelly seconded the motion, which was unanimously adopted.
Hopes Dashed
The Clerk reported that he had received that day the amended draft proposals of the County Council for the extension of urban boundaries, but so far as Swinton was concerned there was no alteration from the previous proposals. Mexboro’ and Swinton were to be amalgamated.
Mr. Chappell: Then our hopes are dashed.
Mr. F. J. Wilkison: Yes, we were living in hope.
The Clerk said the Council should now have a special meeting “to decide what to do.”
Mr. W. Gascoigne: This is where the fun starts.
It was decided to hold the special meeting next Wednesday.
Water Scarcity: Another Appeal
In his report, the Surveyor (Mr. H. Birks) said that in the last month 8,395.000 gallons of water were pumped equal to a daily consumption of 18 gallons per head. “There is no improvement in our water supply,” added Mr. Birks. “The rainfall in December was only .17ins; so far this month 1.05ins; and during last year 21.5 ins. , the lowest rainfall since 1921. It is imperative that the public should use every care. We do not know what will happen. I must say that since our last appeal the public have responded exceedingly well. But I should like them to do even better.”
The Council approved of the application for a provisional order authorising the Mexboro’ and Swinton Traction Company to run a service into Wath.
The New Swimming Age
It was announced that about 100 elementary school children won the Council’s certificates for swimming during the last season, the first occasion in the history of the township. The Chairman of the Education sub-committee (Mr. Chappell) is to visit the schools to make the presentations .
“Dud” Coins in Stamp Machine
Mr. Creighton offered “ information to the public” regarding the stamp machines at the post office. Some weeks ago, he found they were not working correctly and made complaint to the postmaster. “These machines must have a proper coin to operate them and the postmaster showed me a collection of “dud” coins taken from the machines. The collection would have graced any museum.” He thought the Council should urge the public to use the machines properly. They had been installed for the convenience of the public and, if they were used improperly no one could blame the postmaster if he had them taken out. “The postmaster is losing money through them. He has to stand any loss himself,” added Mr. Creighton.
The Chairman said the information came as a surprise to most of the members and, he thought, to the public. He hoped Mr. Creighton’s appeal would have the desired effect.
Kilnhurst Tip
Mr. E. Adams, the Sanitary Inspector, reported that the work of covering the Kilnhurst tip was progressing satisfactorily.