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49
The following is a rough classification of the occupations of the
202 new patients who were found to be definitely tuberculous:—
27 Housewives.
6 Domestic Servants, Charwomen and Office Cleaners.
43 Schoolchildren and Infants.
18 Clerks (varied).
11 Drivers, Conductors and Carmen.
15 Labourers, Fitters, Painters, Toolmakers, Engineers and
Plasterers.
3 Post Office Workers.
16 Dealers and Shop Assistants.
2 Confectioners.
8 Printers and Assistants.
3 Storekeepers.
15 Factory, Workshop and workroom Assistants.
3 Musicians.
5 Railway Workers.
2 Waiters and Waitresses.
6 Messengers and Caretakers.
1 Boot Repairer.
3 Tailors and Assistants.
1 Horsekeeper.
I Woodchopper.
1 Fireman.
2 Instrument Makers.
1 Mannequin.
1 Assistant Librarian.
1 Photographer.
1 French Polisher.
1 Police Constable.
5 With no occupation.
As in previous years, a large number of patients who were
eventually discharged from the Dispensary as non-tuberculous were
kept for a period under intensive observation before a definite
diagnosis was arrived at. Endeavours are made to make this
period as short as possible, both for the sake of the patient and in
order to prevent congestion at the Dispensary. In exceptional
cases only does the period of observation exceed one month, but in
some patients with a bad family history and somewhat indefinite
signs and symptoms, it is found advisable to prolong the period of
observation, the patient being kept under observation at somewhat
long intervals after the preliminary intensive period. In doubtful
cases repeated sputum examinations are undertaken, and several
patients are referred to St. Thomas' Hospital for X-ray examination
and a further opinion before a definite diagnosis is arrived at. The
facilities provided at St. Thomas' Hospital are fully utilised in such
cases, and close co-operation exists between the Tuberculosis Department
of the Hospital through the Tuberculosis Officer and the
Battersea Tuberculosis Dispensary. I wish again to acknowledge