Observations of the Medical Officer of Health upon the Report of Dr. R.J. Reece to the Local Government Board on smallpox and smallpox hospitals at Liverpool, 1902-03. Ordered by the Port Sanitary and Hospitals Committee to be printed 27th April, 1905. / [by E.W. Hope].

  • Liverpool (England). Port Sanitary and Hospitals Committee.
Date:
1905
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Observations of the Medical Officer of Health upon the Report of Dr. R.J. Reece to the Local Government Board on smallpox and smallpox hospitals at Liverpool, 1902-03. Ordered by the Port Sanitary and Hospitals Committee to be printed 27th April, 1905. / [by E.W. Hope]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Library & Archives Service. The original may be consulted at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Library & Archives Service.

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    6. In both cases the prevalence of smallpox was due to causes wholly unconnected with either hospital. 7. Referring to Priory lioad Hospital, the spot maps themselves lend no colour to the conclusion sought to be drawn from them. For more than an entire year the hospital was in full use, and the whole population within a quarter of a mile of it lived in entire security during that time. 8. As the site for the Fazakerley Hospital is one which the Corporation, after due dehberation and consultation with the Local Government Board, purchased for a smallpox hospital with the sanction of the Board, questions affecting its fitness for the purpose are of great importance. The cost of the Fazakerley Smallpox Hospital was about £60,000. But it is apparent that in dealing with this hospital the giavest mistakes have been made by Dr. Reece. It is quite true that a table has been constructed which would ascribe to the Fazakerley Hospital a most damaging influence upon the public health. The allegation, however, rests on the invasion of two houses within the half-mile circle, with an increase of house invasion in the zone more distant from the hospital. In the first place, these figures are far too small to justify tabulation, and the table constitutes a use of figures which is altogether misleading and improper. 9. Neither the Local Government Board nor the Port Sanitary and Hospitals Committee could assent to the continued use of this institution if the allegations contained in Dr. Recce's table are to be regarded seriously. It does appear that the sole object sought to be served by the table is to lend colour to the preconceived view which is expressed at the outset of the Report. The Port Sanitary and Hospitals Committee will desire to be satisfied upon this point, and will no doubt confer with the Local Government Board upon the matter. 10. The Committee will, of course, appreciate that Dr. Recce's Report derives its importance from the official position which he holds, and although it does not appear that the Local Government Board have adopted the Report, or have given official acceptance to it, yet no doubt must be allowed to remain as to the views of the Board and the views of the Committee in the matter. E. W. HOPE. Public Health Department, Municipal Offices, Liverpool, Ayril, 1905.
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