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39
Died before notification received 33
Died within one week of notification 4
„ ,, one week to one month of notification 7
,, ,, one month to three months of notification 11
„ ,, three months to six months of notification 9
,, ,, six months to twelve months of notification 14
,, ,, one year to two years of notification 21
,, ,, two years to three years of notification 9
,, ,, three years to four years of notification 8
,, ,, four or more years after notification 4
The fourth point for consideration is the development of aftercare
and is perhaps the most important point of all. Any scheme
for the prevention of consumption which has not an efficient and
vigorous after-care policy is fore-doomed to failure. Yet there is
no part of the Tuberculosis Campaign which is more neglected by
Local Authorities, many of whom are apparently of opinion that
having provided dispensary and sanatorium treatment, they have
done all that is necessary, when, in point of fact, their true function
is only beginning. The patient is deprived of all help just when
he is most requiring assistance.
A patient on discharge from sanatorium is, as a rule, much
improved in health, but he is by no means cured. His earning
capacity is much diminished; in other words, he is not fit for a
full day's work. He requires assistance financially to subsidise
his wage, and socially to provide him with suitable employment
and proper housing. With such assistance, in all probability he
would be restored to normal working capacity and become again
a useful citizen. An efficient and properly-constituted Care Committee,
with funds at its disposal, would in many instances be able
to produce such results. As it is, little can be done for lack of
financial aid; the patient returns too often to unsuitable conditions,
breaks down again, and becomes a burden and a danger to himself,
his family, and his neighbours. To put it plainly, the money spent
on him is to a large extent wasted, and under present arrangements
will continue to be wasted.