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68
Advanced, Cases.—The problem of the advanced
case is still a very grave one. It is naturally difficult
to persuade persons who realise that they have no
prospect of cure to leave their homes, especially to
enter an institution situated at a distance, and there
is often reluctance on the part of relations to agree
to a separation which they feel may be permanent.
On the other hand, the fact that there is not yet
sufficient accommodation available results in the refusal
of admission to many whose presence in the home
is a burden and a danger to the other occupants, and
who cannot receive the skilled attention necessary for
their comfort. The natural solution of the matter
would be the provision of a small home situated in
the locality, and catering for the needs of one borough,
or of two adjoining boroughs, and taking the form of
an institution in which the patients would be allowed
every possible latitude, and in which the prevailing
atmosphere would be one of homeliness and informality.
This scheme has, so far, not been found practicable,
but it is to be hoped that in the course of the development
and expansion of the anti-tuberculosis campaign
it may find a place in the future.
It is fortunate that in this Borough the patients
have learned by experience to form a high opinion of
the treatment provided in the Fulham Hospital, the
universal appreciation of which renders it comparatively
easy in most cases to secure their consent if
recommended to enter there.
X-ray Examinations.—During the year 58 cases
were sent to Brompton Hospital for X-ray examination.
The films received have been most helpful, and
the accompanying reports have added greatly to precision
in diagnosis, and to the interest in the work,
coming as they do from a radiologist of high repute
and of great experience in this special branch. It has
been pointed out in previous reports that there are
certain disadvantages entailed in the present arrangement
and these may be summarised as follows :—
(1) The necessity for limitation of the number of
cases referred owing to the expense involved.