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on the grounds of tuberculosis. During 1938, 22 tuberculous
families living in the Borough received such improved housing
accommodation from the L.C.C.
There were also two open shelters in use by patients living and
sleeping out of doors.
Co-Operation with Medical Practitioners.
The number of new patients sent by practitioners to the
dispensary for diagnosis or seen in consultation at their homes
was 479. The general practitioner is the original medical examiner
from whom the dispensary can hope to receive the maximum
number of definite sufferers. For this reason it is hoped that practitioners
will use the dispensary for consultation purposes in any
case where they have reason to suspect a patient to be suffering
rom tuberculosis. All patients and contacts now attending the
dispensary receive a specialised examination, including X-ray.
and a report is always sent to the doctor in attendance whether
the patient is found to be suffering from tuberculosis or not. In
this way no case should have progressed to an advanced stage of
disease before coming to the notice of the Tuberculosis Officer
and receiving adequate treatment. During the year 1938 in 1,640
instances was such a report given to practitioners, including 328
personal consultations.
A striking result of this co-operation was seen in the number of
new tuberculous cases referred to the Dispensary for the first time
for consultation and advice. The figure of 266 new cases is 99 more
than the previous year and represents 80 per cent. of the total
primary notification figures (all forms), as compared with 48 percent,
for 1937
The Nature and Extent of Co-operation with General and
Special Hospitals, School Clinic and other Institutions.
1. With St. Giles Hospital. On January Ist, 1938, the Tuberculosis
Officer took advantage of the arrangement made by the
London County Council whereby Tuberculosis Officers for the
Metropolitan Boroughs may act as Honorary Consultants for
tuberculosis at the Council's general hospitals. Previously this
work had been done by a neighbouring Tuberculosis Officer, and
it was t herefore arran ged that the Camberwell Tuberculosis Officer
should be appointed Consultant to the St. Giles Hospital for
Camberwell patients only, thus avoiding overlap of the duties of