ORGANISED PLANS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 110, 9 April 1929, Page 2

ORGANISED PLANS

FOR INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC.

THE PRECAUTIONS OUTLINED,

Stating that, in view of the prevalence of influenza in certain countries, it was desirable that some consideration should be given to the question in the Dominion, the Department of Health wrote to the Borough Council last evening pointing out that the following matters would require attention in the event of an epidemic serious in type: (1) The establishment of a local epidemic committee; the local citv or borough council to form the nucleus, the Mayor inviting outside assistance from suitable persons, including members of the hospital board, 8.M.A., M.P.’s, etc. (2) Voluntary workers for assistance in' private houses and hospitals. This would include trained nurses, those trained in home nursing, and other suitable persons. (3) Male and female workers to act as home visitors, distribute food, and in other capacities. (4) Transport of patients to hospitals, ambulance, motor-cars. Care is necessary in this. Many cases are better nursed at home, if possible. No patient should be moved except with a doctor’s consent. A home nursing service is most important. (5) Temporary hospitals. The hospital board would .attend to this but the local committee should co-operate and render assistance in any capacity, if required. It was pointed out that it should not bo presumed that there was any danger of a serious epidemic. The Mayor stated that, if ever the occasion demanded it, suitable arrangements would be made to put the organisation suggested into effect.