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117
Where a systematic medical examination of persons who have
been in contact with those suffering from Tuberculosis, has been
made, and so become, as it were, "suspects," it has been shown
that at least 10 per cent. of such persons are also suffering from the
disease, in most cases in the early stages.
The above enquiries, therefore, form a most important part
of the preventive side of the Borough Council's Dispensary Scheme
for dealing with Tuberculosis. Only by thoroughly pursuing
this line of investigation, in conjunction with the treatment of
Tuberculous cases, will a more rapid decline in the death rate from
this disease be realised.
In order to make these investigations and enquiries it will be
necessary to supplement the present staff by the addition of at least
two nurses, who have had special instruction and training in the
nursing of Tuberculous patients. These will act under the direct
instruction of the Medical Officer of Health in this work of searching
for "contacts" and the adoption of measures for preventing the
spread of Tuberculosis, especially amongst members of the same
family. I have fixed the number at two, one working in that
portion of the Borough served by the Metropolitan Hospital
Dispensary, and the other in that served by the Victoria Park
Hospital Dispensary. It is not necessary here to give in detail
the duties of the nurses appointed, but in general they will be
required, acting under the instructions of the Medical Officer of
Health, to investigate sources of infection, search for " contacts,"
or "suspects," and enquire into the housing accommodation, &c.,
of the Tuberculous cases. These reports will be considered by the
Medical Officer of Health in detail, and the lines of action determined
thereon. In certain individual cases it may be necessary
for the Medical Officer of Health personally to make the investigation.
Another duty of these nurses will be to assist in the work of
"after-care," by keeping under observation cases returning home
after Sanatorium treatment.