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29
Occupation: As indicated last year, there are no industries
in the Borough which have any special bearing upon the Incidence
of Tuberculosis, but below is given a condensed Table of the occupation
of 205 adults notified during the year as suffering from Pulmonary
Tuberculosis, together with the number showing a family
history of tuberculosis. In connection with occupation, however,
it must be borne in mind that very few trades in themselves are
injurious; it is the conditions under which they are carried on
that rermire consideration.
Occupation
Number
Number with
Family History
of Tuberculosis
Labourer 51 15
Clerks 20 5
Factory Workers 21 14
Mechanics 26 8
Shop Assistants 19 5
Housewives 40 19
Domestics 15 4
Others 13 2
Housing: The Housing condition presents little improvement
and much overcrowding exists, many examples of which have been
brought to the notice of the Public Health Committee by the Care
Committees. It follows that the sleeping arrangements continue
a very serious difficulty in the problems of infection. Of 205 patients
suffering from Pulmonary Tuberculosis,
106 were sharing a bed.
67 had a separate bed but not a separate room.
32 had a separate room and a separate bed.
As a result of much persuasion and perseverance on the part of
the Tuberculosis nurses and the Care Committee, 19 patients who
were sharing a bed have now separate beds, and 6 patients, who
each shared a bed with three others, have had their sleeping
arrangements so altered as to have only one partner: not an
ideal arrangement, but the best that could be done under the
circumstances, and a great improvement on the original state as
found by the nurses.
The Council has now increased the number of shelters to 6,
and these are in constant use. Bedsteads and bedding have been
lent or supplied by the Council and other agencies. (See Report of
Care Committee.)