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128
It is well known that Tuberculosis officers do not see many of
the new cases in the early stages of the disease. This, as Sir
George Newman remarks, "is not invariably due to neglect by
medical practitioners under the regulations. Far too frequently
there has been delay on the part of the patient in obtaining medical
advice, or delay on the part of the practitioner in seeking the
assistance of the Tuberculosis officer in regard to patients suffering
from chest trouble which may have a tuberculous basis."
The initiative to seek treatment when ill rests with the patient
himself, and the remedy lies in the education of the public as to
symptoms and common dangers of Tuberculosis and the need for
securing early treatment. In 1931 there was a decrease in the
number of early cases and a corresponding increase in the advanced
cases. It is unfortunate that 68.6% of the new cases were more or
less advanced in the disease.
Non-Pulmonary Tuberculosis.
There were 28 cases examined at the Dispensary and found to
have Non-pulmonary Tuberculosis in the following forms:—
Bones and Joints 10
Abdominal 6
Other Organs 3
Peripheral Glands 9
28

The above Table shows the number of Tuberculosis patients dealt with
by the Dentist at the Lodge Road Clinic.