NO NEED FOR ALARM

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12434, 30 April 1926, Page 6

NO NEED FOR ALARM

DIPHTHERIA AND FEVER INCREASE IN SURGICAL CASES HOSPITAL BOARD DISCUSSION At the meeting of,the Wellington Hospital Board yesterday the medical suprintendent, Dr McDonald Wilson, reported upon the number of patients admitted in the month of March, 538, against 405 for March, 1925. An increase was recorded in surgical cases, particularly in males and children, the latter from 27 to 63. Mr F. Castle said the pressure in the surgical wards had been considerable. Ho suggested that the board should have a return showing the number of patients admitted on the certificate of an outside practitioner and those who came in through the outpatients’ department. The information would be helpful to the hoard. Dr Wilson said the wards had been rather crowded out. In the case of the children there had been a number of adenoid cases in which several were in and out the same day. Last year they were not performing these operations owing to the epidemio of infantile paralysis. There was a little more scarlet fever than usual, but there was nothing to he alarmed at. There were about 50 cases in hospital at the present time. The Rev. J. Lochoro asked if the hoard should not issue a warning to parents regarding scarlet fever and diphtheria. Dr Wilson said there was nothing alarming in the diphtheria oases, which usually increased in May and June. Mr W. J. Appleton thought the hoard should advise parents in order to minimise the number of cases. Mr Lochore said some cases of diphtheria had come in from the military camp. Mr Vine said it was a matter for the Health Department, and the board might cot a rap over the knuckles for interfering. Rev. H. Van Staveren said the hospital had not lost a single case of scarlet fever, so there was no need for alarm. The chairman pointed out that a resident lady doctor had been appointed to the fever hospital, which showed that they were looking after those cases.