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58
Until economic conditions become more balanced this state of
things is likely to continue.
The tendency as regards Sanatorium benefit trends towards the
acceptance of early cases only, as the statistics show that, in later cases, the
percentage of recoveries is small; though this is necessary from an
economic standpoint it is unfortunate from point of view of treatment
as there are a considerable number of chronic, fairly advanced cases
who, with occasional help improve and are able to continue a light
occupation for years.
Advanced cases remain a considerable problem to the Tuberculosis
Officer; during the past year 26 cases ha ve had to be referred to the
Infirmary, one constantly feels the necessity for a home for advanced
cases situated in the Borough. Another type of case which calls for
recognition is the tubercular expectant mother; at a time when the
disease is particularly liable to gain ground sanatorium treatment is
unobtainable.
When we turn to the children the picture is brighter. There can
be no doubt that a large percentage of the children of the poorer classes
have been infected with tuberculosis; under certain conditions there is
a tendency for this disease to become active; the badly termed pretubercular
stage; if the child be caught at this period and given
prolonged convalescent treatment the change in the general condition
is often wonderful and one appears to be successful in stopping the
invasion.
The work of the Invalid Children's Aid Association in this respect
cannot be over-estimated, here indeed we are stepping in the right
direction, by increasing the resistence of the child, enabling it to
overcome the defects of its environment, and giving it a chance of a
healthy adult life. I feel deeply indebted to Miss Spalding, the Local
Secretary, for the interest and trouble she has taken in getting the
children into suitable Homes. To exemplify the value of the work done
in this district I cannot do better than quote the figures of the
Children dealt with during the year—32 Children were sent away;
some of these for as long as seven months; taking the total period of
Convalesence provided it is found to amount to no less than 343
weeks.
It is my endeavour to be present at the meetings of the Interim
Care Committee concerning tuberculosis cases, their information