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under the direction of the Tuberculosis Officer who carries out the
refill. In future all patients discharged from hospital or sanatorium
who require artificial pneumothorax refills will be referred to the
St. Giles' artificial pneumothorax clinic for treatment unless special
circumstances necessitate other arrangements.
Such surgical methods as phrenic evulsion, thoracoplasty and
the more recent extra-pleural artificial pneumothorax are carried
out when necessary during residential treatment. In the event of a
patient requiring refills for extra-pleural pneumothorax on returning
home, arrangements are made for his attendance at the St. Giles'
artificial pneumothorax clinic where the treatment can be given by
the Tuberculosis Officer.
Finsen light is available for dispensary patients who have
Lupus vulgaris. Two dispensary patients had this treatment at
the London Hospital during the year.
Work of Tuberculosis Nurses.
The tuberculosis nurses paid 8,967 visits to the homes where
there was a case of tuberculosis during the year 1937.
Nursing Patients.
We have been able to obtain a District Nurse whenever one was
required. In the majority of cases, however, it is better to urge
the removal to hospital of a patient who is confined to bed.
Nature and Extent of any Dental Treatment.
Twelve patients received dental treatment through the Tuberculosis
Dispensary scheme of the Borough. Approved Societies
contributed part of the cost in the case of insured persons and
patients who could afford it also contributed.
Supply of Sputum Pocket Flasks and Outfits for Sputum
Examinations.
Approximately 150 pocket flasks were supplied to patients
during the year. Patients, of course, obtained pocket flasks from
other sources; for example, residential institutions and private
sources. The number of outfits supplied in connection with sputum
examinations for Dispensary patients was 1,069.
Supply of Extra Nourishment during 1937.
Action is taken by the Tuberculosis Officer to secure the grant
of extra nourishment in the following cases: —
(1) Ex-sanatorium cases where the medical condition is such
that a grant of extra nourishment is necessary to enable a patient
to maintain or recover full working capacity.