London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Willesden 1914

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Willesden]

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81
the notified case is investigated, and as a result 10 persons
were referred for examination to their medical attendant.
The actual number of contacts so examined was eight, three
of whom were found to be affected with tuberculosis.
In one case the diagnosis was doubtful, and it was
referred for further examination to the County Tuberculosis
Officer, who reported that he did not find evidence of Tuberculosis.
Many other contacts were examined by the Tuberculosis
Officer of the Middlesex County Council, but information
as to their number and the results is not to hand.
Disinfection, Cleanliness, Disposal of Discharges.
—Disinfection is carried out only in cases where the house
is dirty and disinfection appears desirable. The Health
Visitors endeavour to secure a constant state of cleanliness
in the home which is especially important in connection
with the spread of tuberculosis. In 11 cases notified to the
Health Department and visited by the Health Visitors,
the method of disposal of discharges, i.e., sputum, etc.,
was considered unsatisfactory, but instruction and subsequent
visitation effected the necessary remedy in six of these
cases.
Treatment.— This area as far as the treatment of
tuberculosis is concerned, is under the control of the
Middlesex County Council. During the year the arrangements
to be made for the treatment of persons suffering
from tuberculosis in Willesden were not completed.
The clauses of the National Insurance Act, 1911, dealing
with Tuberculosis aimed at providing appropriate treatment—Domiciliary,
Dispensary, Sanatorium or Hospital—
for every case of Tuberculosis.
The authority under the Act for carrying out this work
is the County Council, and treatment is, therefore, not in
the hands of the Willesden Council, The Middlesex County