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The notified patients are visited by Mrs. Fisher, the lady sanitary
inspector, who gives the necessary instruction in the precautions that a
consumptive patient should observe to prevent the spread of the disease
to others, and inquires into the source of infection. Mrs. Fisher
made 304 visits to consumptive patients in 1911, in addition to 21 visits
made after the death of the patient. To assist the work of the lady
inspector a body of voluntary visitors, organised by the Joint Phthisis
Committee of the Hampstead Health Society and the Hampstead Council
of Social Welfare, works in close co-operation with the Public Health
Department. In previous Annual Reports reference has been made to
the valuable work of the Joint Committee, which is of special value in
providing sanatorium treatment and material assistance in various ways
for consumptive patients. Disinfection is carried out by the Public
Health Department after a death from consumption, and, as occasion
requires, during the life of a patient. The total number of premises
disinfected in 1911 was 133.
The Council arrange for the free bacteriological examination of
specimens from suspected cases of consumption. In 1911 the total
number of specimens examined was 31, of which 7 were positive and 24
negative.
The Council provide consumptives with disinfectants and sputum
flasks in suitable cases, and each consumptive patient receives a card
containing printed instructions on the precautions to be observed by
consumptives. This card is in the following terms:—