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62
St. George's Hospital and St. Luke's Hospital are visited by the Municipal
Tuberculosis Visitor. Arrangements are made with Brompton Hospital
for the X-ray examination of difficult cases and for the provision of
artificial pneumo-thorax refills. Many patients, both adults and children,
who attend the Dispensary for examination, either as contacts or on their
own initiative, are found to be suffering from conditions, other than
Tuberculosis, which require treatment. These cases are advised as to
obtaining such treatment, either from private practitioners or at general
hospitals. Many children are found to be suffering from anaemia, malnutrition
and similar diseases and are referred to the Chelsea branch
of the Invalid Children's Aid Association with a view to provision of
convalescent home treatment.
Co-operation with the School Medical Service. The relationship with
the School Medical Service continues to be satisfactory. The School
Medical Authorities frequently afford valuable help in deciding what
supervision is desirable in connection with children. Many children
are referred direct to the School Clinic for the treatment of minor ailments
and dental caries.
Co-operation with Medical Practitioners. During the year the Tuberculosis
Officer examined 54 new cases at the homes of the patients, and
143 cases were referred to him at the Dispensary by medical practitioners
in the Borough.
Insured persons under the care of local medical practitioners are
visited by the Municipal Tuberculosis Visitor.
Home Contacts. The number of home contacts of tuberculous patients
examined at the Dispensary during the year was 94, a decrease of 69
compared with 1924. Special arrangements are made for following up
patients in cases where the diagnosis is doubtful. Such cases are again
examined at intervals and, when necessary, X-ray or other special
investigation is made. The Social Worker at the Dispensary maintains
regular observation in connection with these patients.
Artificial Pneumo-thorax Treatment. On the recommendation of the
Tuberculosis Officer, three patients were supplied with 31 refills in connection
with artificial pneumo-thorax treatment. Payments amounting
to £16 5s. 6d. were made by the Borough Council for these refills.
Home Nursing. The Dispensary organization includes home nursing,
which is much appreciated by such patients as are confined to bed.
During 1925, the number of visits paid by Nurses to the homes of patients
was 2,818, an increase of 26 over the number for the previous year.
Seventeen cases of Tuberculosis were certified by the Tuberculosis
Officer during the year to require extra nourishment as part of their
treatment. These cases were supplied with foods such as milk, eggs,
butter and Bovril. The total cost of extra nourishment (£34 6s. Od.) was
borne by the Borough Council. The Council lent bedsteads and bedding
to two cases during the year.