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134
The systematic examination of "contacts" is carried out at
the dispensary; and in some cases, at their homes. This constitutes
one of the most important branches of the work.
The suggested scheme for providing homes for advanced open
cases has not yet materialised, but it is to be hoped that this most
desirable provision will be proceeded with at an early date, not only
for the benefit and comfort of those afflicted, and in the interests
of those who by contact are constantly exposed to infection, but
as a further protection to the community.
The open air school at Stormont House, Hackney Downs, now
receives "notified" tubercular children between the ages of eight
and fourteen. This school will be of great benefit to Hackney
children, but it is to be regretted that it is so inaccessible for the
Stoke Newington cases. There is no means of reaching the school
by public conveyance, and parents residing in Stoke Newington
strongly object to send their children so far on foot; as they
rightly consider that a long walk, especially during inclement
weather, would be harmful to a delicate child. This disadvantaage
might be overcome by supplying a conveyance to collect and transport
the scholars to and from school, as in the case of crippled
children, and I propose to suggest this procedure to the school
authoiities.
Another great objection, however, is that, under the arrangement
by which the children attending this school come under the
treatment of the school medical officer, who is also the tuberculosis
officer for Hackney, at the Victoria Park Hospital, any medicine
required has to be fetched from the tuberculosis dispensary at
Victoria Park, which is about two-and-a-half miles from Stoke
Newington. Under these existing circumstances, as far as Stoke
Newington is concerned, the aims of this branch of the tuberculosis
scheme are practically annulled.