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Of the 259 surviving pulmonary cases 68 were at school and 148 at work, and of
153 surviving non-pulmonary cases 71 were at school and 58 at work.
Artificial
light treatment.
Arrangements were made by the Councd in 1926 for an experimental scheme
to be put into operation which would enable the metropolitan borough councils to
utilise as part of the tuberculosis dispensary schemes the facilities for artificial light
treatment at certain hospitals and centres throughout London approved by the
Minister of Health and the Council. Since the inception of the scheme the Council
has approved proposals submitted by nineteen borough councils for utilising the
facilities available under the scheme.
From the information obtainable it would appear that the number of cases treated
under the scheme has been small and that the results have been variable and speaking
generally have not been encouraging. The scheme has been extended for another
year. At the same time the experience gained so far indicates that under certain
conditions and in certain subjects the application of ultra violet light appears to be a
valuable method of treatment for non-pulmonary tuberculosis, but that the best
results can generally be obtained in residential institutions, wherein it forms part of
the scheme of treatment of the disease and is one of the many associated methods of
treatment.
It is not necessary in this report to refer to the question of the settlement of
tuberculous persons in suitable employment after leaving sanatoria as this subject
has been exhaustively dealt with in a special report which was presented to the
Public Health Committee in December, 1927, and published by the Council
(Publication No. 2545 ; price Is.)
Employment
of
tuberculous
persons.
Reference was made in last year s report to the handicraft class for dispensary
patients which had been successfully initiated by the Lewisham Tuberculosis Care
Committee. The tuberculous patient who is unable to obtain employment is in
danger of becoming a victim to depression, and the handicraft class is an excellent
means of providing new interest and occupation. The Council has intimated to the
borough councils its sympathetic interest in such ventures and expressed the hope
that classes similar to the Lewisham class might be opened in other parts of London.
Classes have been started in Kensington, Stepney, Wandsworth and Westminster.
Handicraft
classes for
dispensary
patients.
The Tuberculosis Care Committees have continued their excellent work of
advising and assisting tuberculous patients. Reports received in the ordinary course
of administration indicate that much useful work is done in an unobtrusive way,
e.g., children are adequately provided for during the absence of the mother under
sanatorium treatment, help is secured for families during the absence of the breadwinner,
employment is obtained for patients after treatment, and in numerous other
ways, which cannot be visualised by statistical reports, much benefit has accrued to
patients and their families as the result of the activities of these committees.
Tuberculosis
Care Committees.
Between 1915 and March, 1925, the contributions received from parents and
guardians of children dealt with under the tuberculosis scheme were paid into the
"Tuberculosis Contributions Fund." Since April, 1925, the balance in the fund
has been used with the co-operation of the Invalid Children's Aid Association for
boarding out children living in contact with cases of advanced pulmonary tuberculosis.
In addition, in a few cases where it was not possible to make other arrangements,
children have been boarded out in order to enable their mothers to accept
institutional treatment. There is no doubt as to the benefit derived by the children
in the clean, healthy surroundings of the country away from overcrowded homes
15435 C 2
Boarding-out
scheme.