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Housing : As is well known, Home conditions have a special
bearing upon the spread of Tuberculosis, and unfortunately the
remarks of last year under this heading, are still applicable. Gross
overcrowding exists in many cases and although every effort has
been made to mitigate the evil, little progress has been accomplished,
owing to the housing shortage. Many examples could be given,
but the following two will suffice :
(a) Father, mother, and 3 children living and sleeping in the
one room together with the patient aged 20.
(b) Father, mother and 5 children, living and sleeping in the
same room with patient aged 12. In this instance an
additional room was obtained through the aid of the
Care Committee and Dispensary Staff.
It follows that an analysis of the sleeping arrangements reveals
a serious state of affairs. Of 263 patients suffering from Pulmonary
Tuberculosis,
150 were sharing a bed.
44 had a separate bed but not a separate room.
69 had a separate room and a separate bed.
To endeavour to prevent infection spreading under these and
other difficulties arising out of the housing shortage and unemployment,
presents a very difficult problem.
The four shelters provided by the Council have been in constant
use, and as will be mentioned later Bedsteads and Bedding have
baen lent or supplied in several instances by the Council and other
agencies.