Mexborough and Swinton Times August 21, 1936

More Diphtheria
Conisborough Isolation Hospital Figures
Use of Serum Urged

After a discussion on the increase in the number of diphtheria patient in the hospital, it was decided that Wednesday’s meeting of the Doncaster and Mexborough Joint Hospital Board, over which Mr Howden presided, to press for wider use of the injection of serum in cases of suspected diphtheria. It was pointed out that although some districts serum is provided free by local authorities, medical practitioners do not always take advantage of this service.

Dr WJ MacClure’s (medical superintendent) report for the month stated that at the being of July there were 38 patients under treatment in the isolation hospital; 23 for scarlet fever and 15 for diphtheria. The patient’s discharged were 22; 11 from scarlet fever and 11 from diphtheria. There was one death from diphtheria during July, and at the end of the month 28 cases of scarlet fever and 31 of diphtheria. There had been a marked increase in the number of diphtheria patients.

Lack of Sun

Dr McClure said that the increase was noticeable among children who were not getting outside owing to the lack of sun. The immunisation of children did not seem to be popular he added.

Mr J Cranfield asked whether the areas under the Board’s control were using injections of serum.

Dr McClure said that he could not say, they took note of any injection of serum previous to admission, but he had not noticed any increase. In a disease such as diphtheria, hours counted, and it was vital that serum was injected as soon as possible.

The Chairman said it appeared that they had no powers to compel doctors to use serum.

Mr Cranfield said that as a local authority some power should be in their hands as it was for the benefit of public health. Representation would have to be made, and if they could prove that it was to the benefit of these children and public then powers would have to be given.