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(i.e. 80.5 per cent.) were due to Phthisis (tuberculosis of the lungs),
17 (8.9 per cent.) to tubercular meningitis and 20 (10.6 per cent.)
to other forms of the disease.
In 1923, the number of deaths from phthisis and other tubercular
diseases was 175.
Of the 190 deaths registered from Tuberculosis during the year,
19 were not notified until within one month before death; in 30
cases the notifications were received after death, and in 6 cases no
notification was received.
Of the 6 cases in which no notification was received 4 were
recorded as due to tuberculosis after enquiry by the Coroner, 1 case
was transferred from the Workhouse to the Infirmary, and in the
remaining case death occurred at a lunatic asylum.
Of the 30 cases notified after death 4 (2 pulmonary, 2 nonpulmonary)
were notified by private doctors, 11 (6 pulmonary, 5
non-pulmonary) by Poor Law Institutions, and 15 (5 pulmonary,
10 non-pulmonary) by hospitals or asylums.
Dispensary Treatment of Tuberculosis.
The work of the Dispensary has been carried out with the usual
routine during 1924, notwithstanding the unsuitability and inadequate
accommodation referred to in previous Annual Reports.
Plans and specifications for a new Tuberculosis Dispensary have
been prepared and submitted to the Ministry of Health and only
await sanction for the building to be proceeded with. The new
Dispensary will be erected on the site given by the Council at
Latchmere Road, facing the Latchmere Baths, and in addition
to being more central will be more readily accessible than the
present building—an adapted private house at 179 Battersea
Bridge Road.
Dr. Macdonald, Tuberculosis Medical Officer, reports
The Dispensary Staff have remained the same as in the previous
year, and the work is carried on in close co-operation with the
local medical practitioners and with St. Thomas's Hospital. No
alterations were made in routine work.
Sessions are held to suit the circumstances of the different
classes of patients. Home visiting is systematically carried out
by the Nursing Staff, and insanitary conditions noted are reported
to the Medical Officer of Health. The "following up" of patients
is very diligently pursued to encourage, as far as practicable,
regular attendance at the Dispensary, and to round up defaulters.
The homes of patients undergoing treatment at the Sanatoria are
kept under frequent inspection in order to keep in touch with the
circumstances of the patient's family and to prevent, if possible,
the premature return of the patient when, as occasionally happens,