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32
In the cases of the females, 20 of the patients were housewives, 18 school
girls, 3 were employed in laundries, 3 in the making of wearing apparel, 2 in box
making, 1 was a hospital cleaner, 1 worked in the tobacco trade, 1 was a factory
worker, 1 worked at a printers, 1 worked in leather, 1 was a servant in a
restaurant, 1 was a domestic servant, and in the cases of 11 no occupation was
mentioned.
With respect to the sanitary condition of the dwellings occupied by the
patients, the chief points to which attention was directed were the amount of cubic
space available, the means for securing light and fresh air, the dryness of the
premises and their general condition as regards cleanliness. As a result of the
inspections made in 145 instances the dwellings were satisfactory or fairly so; in
the remaining 98 they were more or less unsatisfactory.
In 74 of the cases there were family histories of the disease, that is information
was elicited that members of the families to which the patients belonged
had suffered or died from consumption either on the fathers' or mothers' side.
In 69 of the cases evidence more or less strong was forthcoming, pointing to
infection from previous cases either at home or at work. Had the time at the
disposal of the officers permitted of their enquiries being pushed, there is no
doubt these figures would in all probability have been higher. As it is they are
not without significance.
Disinfection was carried out by the Sanitary Authority in connection with
104 rooms, and the usual steps were taken as regards textile articles exposed to
infection. Instruction was given both verbally and by means of leaflets as to the
precautions to be taken to prevent the spread of infection, and there is no doubt
that the public realise the dangers associated with the disease to a far greater
extent than was the case a few years ago. Efforts were made in suitable cases to
obtain sanatorium treatment for those suffering from the disease and otherwise to
assist patients so as to place them under better conditions to resist the disease and
lessen the risk of infection to others. The health visitor reports that six had
sanatorium treatment, of whom four were away at the end of the year, and two had
returned, one stated to be cured and one to be incurable. In the cases of three
other patients who applied for sanatorium treatment, long periods of inpatient treatment
were obtained with a view to sanatorium benefits later if suitable cases on
leaving hospital. Three patients had long periods in convalescent homes. Three
applications for sanatorium were refused as the cases were too advanced. Three
withdrew their applications, and six were under consideration at the end of the
year. In 23 cases beds and bedding were supplied to ensure separate sleeping
accommodation for consumptive patients These benefits were obtained through
the agency of various charitable societies at work in the Metropolis. The
Sanitary Authority has so far made no provision for cases in which there are
prospects of cures being effected. In the Shoreditch Infirmary there are wards