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12
Pneumonia.
Pneumonia and broncho-pneumonia caused 49 deaths in Chelsea
in 1920, as against 58 in 1919, and 82 in 1918. Five cases of acute
primary pneumonia in males, and 14 cases in females were notified in
Chelsea during the year. The Nurses paid 171 visits to 13 patients
suffering from pneumonia, the average number of visits per patient,
being 13. In London there were 5,338 deaths from pneumonia in 1920,
as against 4,597 in 1919, and 7,485 in 1918.
The deaths from pulmonary tuberculosis in 1920 numbered 73
(41 males and 32 females), as against 67 in 1919. Other tuberculous
diseases caused 11 deaths (2 males and 9 females), as against 22 in 1919.
Of the pulmonary tuberculosis cases ending fatally, 41 per cent, died
in the Chelsea Infirmary, and 30 per cent, in other public institutions,
that is to say, 71 per cent, died away from their homes, the corresponding
figure for 1919 being 64 per cent. During the year 1920, 119 new cases
of pulmonary tuberculosis were notified, as against 113 in 1919. Fortyeight
specimens of sputum were sent by medical practitioners to the
Lister Institute for examination, as against 75 in 1919. Of the 48
specimens, 19 per cent. were positive for tubercle bacilli, and 81 per cent,
were negative, practically the same proportions as in 1919. A considerable
number of patients received hospital and open-air sanatorium
treatment either as insured persons under the London Insurance Committee
scheme, or as uninsured persons under the London County Council
scheme.
The number of new cases of pulmonary and non-pulmonary tuberculosis
visited in the course of the year was 114. The total number of
visits paid in respect of all cases of tuberculosis and suspected tuberculosis
was 1,052. The Borough Council lent beds and bedding to three
cases in the course of the year.
Twenty-two new cases of non-pulmonary tuberculosis were notified
in 1920. Several cases were helped to obtain proper surgical treatment
in hospitals, and others were sent to country or sea-side convalescent
homes. As in previous years, a great deal of this work was carried out
by the Chelsea Branch of the Invalid Children's Aid Association.
Tuberculosis.