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service is now 446 as compared with 108 at the end of 1917, the first year of the
operation of the Scheme.
Hostel
tion.
The necessity was recognised from the outset for accommodation where young
women and children under treatment could be lodged during the period of infectivity.
Certain hostels managed by or independently of hospitals have received grants in
aid for this purpose, and experience has proved the value of these hostels for the
more efficient treatment of certain cases and for preventing the spread of disease.
During the year 1927, the number of patients dealt with at these institutions from
the areas in the Scheme was 282, the aggregate number of days in residence being
26,422.
Tuberculosis
dispensary
service.
The Council's Tuberculosis Scheme.
Detailed information has been furnished by the metropolitan borough councils
as to the work of the tuberculosis dispensaries, including particulars as to the numbers
of new cases and "contacts" examined and the number of home visits, etc. This
information is summarised in the Table on pages 32 and 33.
Afterhistories
of
tuberculous
patients.
An investigation has been made into the after-histories of adult and child
patients treated in residential institutions during the year 1921. In each case the
survey is the first made on a five-yearly basis, which is regarded as more satisfactory
for assessing the value of residential treatment than the three-year basis formerly
taken. Survey of the 1921 group will continue to be made after each subsequent
period of five years, and the same course will be adopted as regards patients discharged
during 1922 and each year thereafter. By this means comparative results
of considerable value will be built up from year to year.
Adults.
The number of adult cases investigated was 3,178, which included 223 surgical
cases.

* The classification adopted throughout this article is as follows:—A, cases in which tubercle bacilli have
not been demonstrated in the sputum; B, cases in which tubercle bacilli have been demonstrated in the sputum
(Bl, early cases; B2, moderately advanced cases; and B3, advanced cases).
Particulars obtained as to the fitness for work of the 1,230 surviving adult
patients who were discharged from treatment in 1921 show that out of a total of
594 A and B 1 cases, 68 per cent, were at work, and this must be regarded as a
satisfactory testimony to the value of sanatorium treatment when applied to cases
in the early stages of the disease. The percentage at work in the other categories is
as follows: B.2, 40 per cent.; B.3, 25 per cent.; and surgical, 71 per cent. Of the
total number of 1,230 in all categories, 57.5 per cent. were at work, 4.4 per cent.
were fit for work, but were unemployed, 37.5 per cent. were unable to work (including
cases receiving further residential treatment) and the condition of the remaining .6
per cent. was unknown.
Children.
The particulars obtained as to the after-histories of children discharged in 1921,
relate to 522, of which 333 are pulmonary and 189 non-pulmonary.