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69
The finding of suitable employment is probably the greatest
problem which Care Committees have to face. It would be a great
boon if sick payment could be graded according to the patients'
capacity to undertake light work or part time employment. As far
as Tuberculosis is concerned, sickness benefit simply means that
the patient degenerates into a state of chronic invalidism. Grateful
acknowledgment must be made of the Council's action in providing
part time work for 8 male patients during the summer months at
Charlton House.
In addition 45 children are attending the Open Air Schools at
Shooters Hill and Forest Hill, and are all doing remarkably well.
The Open Air School brings practically all the advantages of the
Sanatorium to the immediate homes of the children without in any
way breaking with the home life or interrupting their education.
They are or should be the schools of the future. The children are
all periodically examined at the Dispensary, in addition to the
supervision of the School Medical Officer.
X-Ray Examinations.—During the year 55 patients were so
examined, of whom 5 were children. The arrangements for these
examinations at the Seamen's Hospital are not very satisfactory,
as there is a considerable delay in receiving films and reports.
Proposals have been made to the Board of Guardians to allow the
Tuberculosis Officer the use of their very fine X-Ray Installation,
and are at present under consideration. It need hardly be stated
that these examinations are of great assistance in supplementing
the usual Clinical Examination.
Sputum Examinations —Of 176 sputum specimens bacteriologically
examined at the Seamen's Hospital, 37 proved positive and
139 negative. At the same time, 196 specimens were chemically
examined at the Dispensary for Albumen, with very similar results
to those mentioned last year.
In closing this Section of the Report it might be mentioned
that the relations with the other authorities concerned in the work
(the Board of Guardians, the Ministry of Pensions, the British Red
Cross Society, the School Authorities, and the Various Hospitals)
have been cordial and the co-operation well maintained. The
same can be said about the relations with the medical men practising
in the district, and as previously remarked, it is very satisfactory
to find that many cases are sent to the Dispensary (before
notification) for an opinion as to diagnosis. The Tuberculosis Officer
is always glad to assist in any way in the investigation and diagnosis
of any cases referred to him by the family medical attendant, and
every effort is made to arrive at an early decision, either by means