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residential institution, or later while on home treatment. By
arrangement artificial pneumothorax treatment can be given at
the following hospitals to patients who are receiving general treatment
at home : —Brompton, St. Thomas's, Guy's, Grove Park,
Colindale, King's College Hospital, St. Giles'. During 1938, 67
dispensary patients had artificial pneumothorax treatment at one
or the other of these hospitals. This does not include dispensary
patients who are receiving artificial penumothorax treatment in a
sanatorium at December 31st, 1938.
Throughout the year the dispensary artificial pneumothorax
clinic established at St. Giles' Hospital gradually increased its
numbers, and at the end of 1938 a total of 401 refills had been carried
out by the Tuberculosis Officer using the facilities offered at the
hospital by the London County Council. It is expected that
more patients will attend in future, but judging from the extent
of artificial pneumothorax treatment which is at present being
commenced in hospitals and sanatoriums it is unlikely that with the
limited facilities at St. Giles Hospital it will be possible for all
refills to be carried out there.
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.