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62
Miss Hall reports that in a large number of cases
enquiry was made of her as to the probability of being
able in the near future to attend a Dispensary in the
Borough for the treatment of tuberculosis. Many patients
have been recommended by their doctors to seek treatment
at some Institution for the special treatment of tuberculosis,
but in the majority of cases this is found almost impracticable
owing to the expense of travelling and the time taken
up by the journey to London.
The number of persons in contact with the 108 cases
visited amounted to 522, and there is every reason to believe
that a large proportion of these persons would willingly
attend a Dispensary for the purpose of examination,
although investigation has shown that they would in very
few cases voluntarily consult a medical practitioner owing to
the expense incurred. Miss Hall has frequently been asked
if such a course were possible at any free institution in the
Borough at the present time, as many people appear to
realise the importance of members of the family other than
the patient, being watched. There have been several
cases notified during the past few months, other members
of whose family have been visited by the Health Department
staff during the past year or two for tuberculosis.
In the majority of cases it is quite impossible for the
patient to be sufficiently isolated as not to jeopardise the
health of other inmates of the house.
From the figures given above it will be seen that of
the 108 cases visited only 52 were in a position to occupy
a separate bedroom, and in 40 cases the patient had to
share a bed with other persons. Realising the importance
to themselves and others of isolation and fresh air, we
have been asked by some patients if it were possible to
obtain the loan of a temporary shelter. In the majority
of cases there is ample room for such an erection in the
rear of the dwelling.
Owing to the time occupied in making the primary
investigation into each case, it has not been possible to
re-visit as often as is desirable to keep in touch with the
patients, and so ensure the continued observance of the
necessary preventive measures and the immediate disinfection,
before re-occupation, of the rooms vacated by a
patient. It will be necessary in the near future to consider
the appointment of another health visitor for this special