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45
During 1951 no action became necessary under the Public
Health (Prevention of Tuberculosis) Regulations, 1925, or
Section 172 of the Public Health Act, 1936.
Very close co-operation is maintained with the Kingston and
District Tuberculosis Care Committees, whose field of work is
coincidental with the North Central Division. The Medical
Officer of Health is Chairman of the Care Committee and considerable
assistance has been given to patients. There is no doubt that this
body is fulfilling its function of helping towards the rehabilitation
of tuberculous patients.
Tuberculosis is an infectious condition, and the treatment
required to cure pulmonary tuberculosis involves a long period
of rest. When the infection comes to to the bread-winner it is a
very serious matter for the family and puts a great strain on the
financial resources. There is also the necessity of preventing
the spread of infection from the infected person to healthy members
of the family circle. This requires isolation, nearly always at
home, for long periods, throwing a further strain on already limited
resources. The Kingston and District Tuberculosis Care Committee
was formed for the purpose of encouraging and assisting sufferers
from tuberculosis towards recovery.
During 1951 157 families were helped, the form of help being
extra nourishment, clothing, money grants for removals, bedding,
fares, pocket money, correspondence courses, and miscellaneous
items, and a total of £1193 was expended from the funds of the
Committee on this work.
Scabies.
During the year the scheme for treating cases and contacts
of scabies continued to operate as described in previous reports.
Arrangements exist for the treatment of scabies at the
Cleansing Centre for school children, the cost being recharged
to the Education Authority. Treatment of children under five
and adults continues as a Borough Health Service.
The work was carried out on a sessional basis, at the
Cleansing Station, Burton Road., by a part-time attendant working
under the supervision of Health Visitors.
The number of cases and contacts during 1951 showed a
slight decrease over 1950, and no special difficulties were
encountered. The incidence of scabies is at a satisfactorily
low level.
The following tables show the number of persons treated
during the year 1951 and the six preceding years.