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The number of cases of pulmonary and non-pulmonary tuberculosis
in Hackney was almost the same as in the preceding year,
but in Bethnal Green there was a decided decrease, owing no doubt
to the fact that in 1918 many previously recognised cases were sent
to the dispensary, which had only recently opened.
It is felt that notification of a patient as tuberculous is a step
that should not be taken without strong clinical evidence of the
disease, and in a large number of cases the diagnosis is left open for
a time. Before the end of the year, however, the majority have
received a definite diagnosis of either tuberculous or non-tuberculous,
and the few who remained undiagnosed are chiefly the cases
whose first attendance was during the last few months of the year
and who are still under observation.
In Table 4 it will be seen that the percentage of tuberculous
cases among contacts was just over three in each borough.
The figures given in the last table compare closely with those
of the preceding year, except that the total number of attendances
amounting to over 10,500 for the department, shows a decided
increase (i.e., for both boroughs).
In conclusion we should like to thank the Dispensary Committees,
the Medical Officers of Health, the Hospital Physicians, and the
hospital Secretary for their help and advice, and also the Dispensers,
the Clerk, the Nurse, and the Porter, all of whom have done their
work very efficiently.
H. TYLFORD HOWELL, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.,
Tuberculosis Officer for Hackney.
L