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51
a long period, makes Dispensary treatment unavoidable because the
patient, unless he be insured, is unable to afford the cost of private
medical treatment.
During 1927, 155 patients received institutional treatment
under the London County Council's Tuberculosis Scheme, being
24 more than in the previous year. The average length of stay
was 41 days more than in 1926 and the average period of waiting
between the recommendation and admission to an institution was
the same. Definite improvement, as a result of institutional
treatment, was shown by more patients. On the other hand, 20
more patients took their own discharge from institutions than in
1926.
The Tuberculosis Care Committee met weekly at the Dispensary.
Much useful assistance is given to patients and their families through
this agency.
During 1927, 644 new patients attended the Dispensary for
examination. In addition 12 patients were transferred from other
areas and attended the Dispensary for the first time during the
year. Of the 644 patients 434 were adults and 210 were children.
The "Contacts" examined at the Dispensary numbered 199,
75 adults and 124 children.
Of the new patients and "Contacts" 199 were found to be
suffering from Tuberculosis, 172 adults and 27 children.
During the year 7 patients in whom the diagnosis was at first
doubtful were found to be suffering from Tuberculosis, and these
added to the 199 new cases and the 12 transfers, made a total of
218 notified cases. Of this number 105 had already been notified
to the Medical Officer of Health, so that 113 were primary notifications
from the Dispensary.
The total number of attendances at the Dispensary during 1927
was 4,180.
During the year 186. visits were paid to the homes of patients
by the Tuberculosis Officer and 5,434 by the Dispensary Nursing
Staff.
During 1927, 155 patients received institutional treatment
under the London County Council's Tuberculosis Scheme. The
average stay of patients in institutions was 145 days, and the average
period of waiting between recommendation and admission was 19
days. Of the number admitted 93 had definitely improved as a
result of institutional treatment—51 patients discharged themselves.