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37
albumin in the sputum is not of itself a proof of Pulmonary Tuberculosis,
but its absence after repeated examinations practically
excludes Tuberculosis. The results were as under :—
Group I. : Tubercle Bacilli present and Albumin present, 51.
Group II. : Tubercle Bacilli present and Albumin absent, 3.
Group III. : Tubercle Bacilli absent and Albumin present, 18.
Group IV. : Tubercle Bacilli absent and Albumin absent, 201.
In Group II. subsequent examinations gave positive reaction
in 2 cases.
In Group III. 11 out of the 18 patients were found by other
methods to be Tuberculosis.
In Group IV. no case of Tuberculosis has so far developed.
During the year 1922 the Interim Tuberculosis Care Committee
met 11 times, and it is with pleasure that I am able again to refer
to the very material assistance which this Committee has willingly
rendered in many cases. The Committee were also instrumental
in collecting the sum of £137 19s. Od. towards the cost of Sanatorium
treatment provided by the London County Council. This amount
is slightly less than that collected in 1921.
Circular No. 308 from the Ministry of Health, circulated in
June, 1922, suggested that consideration should now be given to the
question of establishing permanent Tuberculosis Care Committees,
and the matter was still before the Council at the end of the year.
Miss M. N. Johnston, the Secretary of the Local Branch of the
Charity Organisation Society, has very efficiently discharged the
onerous duties of Hon. Secretary, a position she has kindly filled
since the inception of the Committee.
Apart from the help described above the Borough Council have
provided 4 shelters which are constantly in use, and lent bed and
bedding to several necessitous patients. Extra nourishment in the
form of milk was granted in 30 instances, and in addition 23 others
were referred to the Guardians for similar help.
The lack of accommodation for advanced cases has been
referred to in previous Reports, and still continues. Acknowledgement
must be made of the services of the District Nurses in
attending and nursing those advanced cases who were referred to
them from the Dispensary. Their help was gratefully appreciated
by both patients and relatives.