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98 cases* were referred to the X-ray department and 34* to the Throat department,
in addition to those referred to the Surgeon, shows that we realise the
usefulness of such an arrangement.
It was pointed out in last year's report that while the Surgeon in charge of
the Throat department and the Dentist are only too pleased to give an opinion
on any particular case, we have no authority to send them cases for
This matter was reported to the Dispensary Committee, and the subject taken
up with the L.C.C. and the Boroughs concerned, with the object of establishing
centres at Victoria Park Hospital to provide treatment for Throat and Dental
cases. The L.C.C., I understand, were of the opinion that Tonsils and
Adenoids could be treated at their other centres in the neighbourhood. This
is true to some extent, but the objection to this is the fact that children usually
have to wait several weeks, sometimes months, before they can be attended to,
with the result that their admission to Hospital or Sanatorium is delayed.
Although I believe no objection was raised to establishing a centre for dental
treatment, nothing further has been done in the matter.
In addition to the special departments, we may also refer patients to the
Physicians in charge of out-patients for an opinion in difficult or interesting
cases, and we continue to take every advantage of this arrangement.
The help given by the various charitable societies, such as the Invalid Children's
Aid Association, the Charity Organisation Society, the Jewish Board of
Guardians, and the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association has been
extremely valuable. The Invalid Children's Aid Association in particular has
sent quite a large number of our so-called pre-tuberculous children for long
periods to convalescent homes, either at the seaside or in the country, while,
in addition, they have also undertaken the after-care of these children, and have'
frequently provided them with suitable occupation, clothing, etc.
276 patients* were sent to Hospital or Sanatorium during the year. Recently
the period between the recommendation for institutional treatment and the
admission of the patient has increased from a fortnight or so to several weeks,
and it is increasingly difficult to obtain admission at all in the case of female
patients. As for those suffering from advanced tuberculosis, it is only in
exceptional cases that we can obtain admission for them into any institution,
except the Infirmary. This, we presume, is a result of the response to the
universal cry for economy, but it is a matter for some doubt if in the long run
it is really true economy to omit giving immediate institutional treatment to
early cases or to neglect the segregation of the advanced. These remarks do
not apply to ex-service men, as it as always possible to get these cases into
Hospital or Sanatorium.
* Including Bethnal Green and Hackney cases.