View report page

48
To sum up, the greatest difficulties in the way
of the successful application of the present system
are those of inducing patients to enter the
Sanatorium whilst the disease is yet in a stage
amenable to Sanatorium treatment, and that of the
provision of proper surroundings and employment
upon their return.
The latter difficulty is one which the Committee
are entirely unable to remove. The former
is to some extent met by the adoption of constant
inspection and the advising of patients as to
precautions relating to their methods of life, both
being measures already carried out by the Sanitary
Inspectors, as well as by the gratuitous supply of
spittoons and flasks for indoor and outdoor use,
and the distribution of printed leaflets of advice to
consumptives.
All these methods are in force throughout the
Borough, but I am strongly of opinion, with regard
to the institutional side of the treatment, that this
should be provided within the Borough, a course
which would minimise, if not entirely abolish.
some of our present difficulties.
GEORGE P. BATE, M.D.,
Medical Officer of Health.