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and a concrete slope in front which could be used for exposing
patients to the fresh air and sun when this is available. It is also
proposed to erect sixteen arc lamps, which could be used for artificial
sunlight treatment when natural sunlight is not available. The
remainder of the ground would be turfed and used for giving children
physical exercises in the sun. Lessons in elementary hygiene
would be imparted at the same time. Provision could be made for
treating men and women separately, also for lavatory accommodation
drainage, supply of electricity, water supply, suitable dressing
rooms, and the cost of all this will be found at the end of this report
The staff required would consist of an additional Tuberculosis Officer,
two nurses, a cleaner, and men to look after the ground to be provided
by the Beautification Committee at our cost. It is hoped that
the scheme here adumbrated will be ready by next spring. Another
plan already started is an experimental plant of three arc lamps
working at the Tuberculosis Dispensary. The following types of
persons could be dealt with under this scheme :—
1. Pre-tuberculous cases. There is a large number of cases in
Bermondsey which come under this designation. They have been
generally examined by the Tuberculosis Officer as contacts, and
although they seem frail and delicate, and possess many symptoms
which makes one suspect tuberculosis, no definite evidence of the
actual disease can be found. It is these cases which very often
after a year or two present definite symptoms of tuberculosis, and
if they could be got hold of for treatment, if it was only once or twice
a week for a few hours, they might be prevented from getting the
disease. Dr. Connan, the Tuberculosis Officer, estimates the number
of these persons as about 500 a year. The class, of course, includes
both children and adults, but the majority are children.
2. Sanatorium Benefit. About 200 patients per annum belonging
to Bermondsey, who are treated in the various Sanatoria in the
country, and when these come back to Bermondsey the large majority
relapse unless they can get some kind of continuation treatment.
This has previously been found an almost insuperable difficulty, as
only a few cases obtain suitable work in the open air which will
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