London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Chelsea 1911
Annual report for 1911 of the Medical Officer of Health
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22
NOTIFICATIONS OF PHTHISIS.
The following Table shows the number of notifications received under the Public Health (Tuberculosis) Regulations, 1908 (Poor Law):—
| Males. | Females. | Total. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form A.—First notifications by M.O., C.W.I. | 63 | 36 | 99 |
| Re-notifications | — | — | 110 |
| Notifications by M.O.'s, outside In-firmaries | 7 | 6 | 13 |
| Form B.—First notifications by District M.O.'s | 22 | 20 | 42 |
| Re-notifications | — | — | 3 |
| Form C.—Notifications by Master, C.W. | — | — | 87 |
| Notifications by Masters, outside Work-houses | — | — | 11 |
| 92 | 62 | 365 |
The total number of first notifications by medical practitioners
under the Poor-law in 1911 was, therefore, 154, as compared with 147
in 1910. The total number of first notifications in 1909 was 303,
but this was the first year the regulations came into force, when
practically every known case of phthisis receiving or seeking Poor-law
treatment was notified.
Of the total of 154 first notifications 119 were new cases. All these
cases were paid a first visit, and in addition 10 new cases of tuberculosis
in children notified from the schools were visited; 104 re-visits and
81 miscellaneous visits were made—the total of visits in respect of
phthisis cases during the year being 314. The number of Common
Lodging House cases was 8.
As a result of the visits to the homes and the inquiries made, four
cases of phthisis were recommended and admitted to open-air sanatoria
and convalescent homes; 18 cases were given out-patient letters for
the Brompton Hospital, and 20 cases were given letters for the Victoria
Hospital for Children. Twenty pocket spittoons were given to patients
needing them, and disinfectants and disinfectant soap where required.
In all cases a leaflet of advice as to precautions, cleanliness, and
ventilation is left with the patient.
Twenty-five cases were reported by the Medical Officer for Education,
L.C.C., of children attending school suspected to be suffering from
tubercle of the lung. Of this number 12 were referred to the Invalid
Children's Aid Association, and were sent away by the Association for
sanatorium or convalescent treatment. Two were referred to the
Guardians of the Poor. The remainder were given letters for hospital
treatment, and are now attending school.
No specimens of sputum were sent during the year by medical
practitioners for free bacterioscopic diagnosis at the Lister Institute.