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as much as possible, inspect all the members of the household so as to
detect cases at the earliest stage. This is a very important aspect
of prevention, and forms especially the function of the Consumptive
Dispensary." The programme of the work of the Edinburgh Tuberculosis
Dispensary in more detail includes the following:—
1. "The reception and examination of patients at the
Dispensary, the keeping of a record of every case, with an
account of the patient's illness, history, surroundings, and
present condition, the record being added to on each subsequent
visit."
2. "The bacteriological examination of expectoration and
other discharges."
3. "The instruction of patients how to treat themselves,
and how to prevent or minimise the risk of infection to others."
4. "The dispensing of necessary medicines, sputum
bottles, disinfectants, and, where the patients' conditions seem
to warrant it, food stuffs and the like."
5. "The visitation of patients at their own homes by (1) a
qualified medical man, and (2) a specially trained nurse for the
double purpose (a) of treatment, and (b) of investigation into
the state of the dwelling and general conditions of life and the
risk of infection to others."
6. "The selection of more likely patients for hospital
treatment, either of early cases for sanitoriums or of late cases
for incurable homes, and the supervision, when necessary, of
patients discharged from hospital."
7. "The guidance generally of tuberculous patients and
their friends, and for inquires from all interested persons on
every question concerning tuberculosis."
The Dispensary in addition to the above interests it self in the
after care of persons who have been undergoing sanatorium treatment.
Another function of the Dispensary is the selection of
suitable employment in the open air for consumptive patients who