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The death rate from pulmonary tuberculosis was 1.16. This
rate is slightly higher than the rate for 1929, but is lower than
that of any other year since 1920. This increase may perhaps
be due to a greater number of deaths occurring at a later age in
life. In the aged, particularly in the case of those who suffer
from chronic bronchitis, it is difficult and may be impossible by
physical examination alone, to detect tuberculosis, and the
increased facilities for radiological examinations have been of
great benefit in this connection. The detection of such cases is of
great importance because of the danger of infection to others,
especially infants, living in the same house, and for this reason
it is advisable as far as possible to retain these patients for treatment
in the local hospital.
Work in the Dispensary has continued on the same lines as in
previous years. The arrangement with St. Olave's Hospital for
X-ray examination of dispensary patients has continued to
operate satisfactorily, and the number of examinations shows
an increase, due partly to more frequent requests from practitioners
of the district. The more extended use of radiology in
the investigation of pulmonary tuberculosis has revealed the
fact that in many cases, particularly in young persons, the onset of
the disease is comparatively sudden and acute, and that the
advance of the disease may be extremely rapid.
In order to stimulate the interest of practitioners in the
borough, a meeting was arranged during the year at which
Dr. H. V. Morlock, physician to the City of London Hospital
for Diseases of the Chest, read a paper on the subject, illustrated
by X-ray films of typical cases. The meeting was well attended
and much appreciated.
Immediate treatment by rest in bed is of the utmost importance
in dealing with early cases, and during the year numbers
of patients have been admitted at once to the hospital where
they have received the preliminary treatment which is necessary
before they become fit for transfer to Sanatorium. In selected
cases artificial pneumothorax treatment has been started by the
medical officers of the hospital and this treatment is continued
(28)