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supplied with printed directions pointing out what is necessary to be
observed, in order to prevent the patient being a danger to those living
with him.
Disinfection is carried out at regular periods unless objected to.
At the early part of the year the Borough Council arranged with the
National Association for the use of five beds at Benenden. The first
cases were sent off on July 26th, and, up to the end of the year, eleven
cases were admitted. The selection of suitable cases has been a difficult
matter, owing to increased duties being thrown upon the staff in other
directions. In nearly all the persons presenting themselves for admission
into Benenden the disease had made considerable progress, and in no
case could it be said to be in the incipient stage. It is hardly to be
expected in a borough, where the struggle for existence is so keen, that
men, especially married men, with families dependent on them, would
consent on the first onset of the disease to go away for three months to
a Sanatorium, even if the danger of delay in such treatment were pointed
out to them. No, they simply refuse to listen to such advice, It is
natural and brave of them, but it is not the way to get cured of Phthisis.
Something more than the Sanitorium is needed. To commence with,
there must be an organisation, whether paid or voluntary, in close touch
with the home life of our inhabitants. It is there that the health of the
people must be largely protected by a strong first line of defence.
In connection with Phthisis 211 contacts were carefully examined at
our Reception House and reports made to the Medical Officer of the
School Board and other persons concerned.
Report on the cases of Phthisis in connection with the
Benenden Sanatorium.
The first case was sent off on August 5th, 1910.
Twenty-eight persons have applied for admission into the Sanatorium
of whom 15 were admitted, 8 were found to be unsuitable on account of
the advanced stage of the disease, 3 had removed out of the district, and
2 are waiting for admission.
Of the 15 persons admitted, 12 have been discharged, and 3 are still
under treatment. At the present time there are 2 vacancies.
The following is a detailed account of the history of the cases treated
at the Sanatorium:—