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81
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 visited 61 cases (including personal consultations) at
the homes of the patients, and 95 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 Tuberculosis Visitor.
Home Contacts.—The number of home contacts of tuberculous
patients examined at the Dispensary during the year was 131, a decrease
of 42 compared with the previous year. 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, patients are supplied with refills in connection
with artificial pneumo-thorax treatment. Payment is 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.
The Dispensary Nurse also visits the home for observation purposes.
During the year, the number of visits paid by Nurses to the homes of
patients was 3,433, a decrease of 247 over the number for the previous
year. The Council lent a bedstead and bedding to one case during
the year.
Extra Nourishment.—Twenty-one 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 and butter. The total cost of extra nourishment (£27 18s.)
was borne by the Borough Council.
Non-Tuberculous Cases.—All casese xamined at the Dispensary
in which special treatment is indicated, other than for Tuberculosis, are
assisted in obtaining such treatment at an appropriate hospital. Others
are sent to country or seaside convalescent homes through the agency
of the Invalid Children's Aid Association.
Orthopaedic Treatment.—In appropriate cases surgical boots and
appliances, splints, crutches, spinal carriages and wheeled chairs are
supplied through the Invalid Children's Aid Association.
Dental Treatment.—With the approval of the Ministry of Health,
arrangements have been made with the British Dental Hospital, 235,
Hammersmith Road, W., for the provision of adequate dental treatment,
including dentures, if necessary, for patients attending the Chelsea
Tuberculosis Dispensary. In each case the certificate of the Tuberculosis