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107
Bacteriological Tests.
These are carried out for the most part in the laboratory by Miss Robinson. During the year,
1,474 sputa examinations for tubercle bacilli have been recorded. The work of the laboratory has
increased considerably during the past few years and includes (in addition to dispensary work) much
special investigation of bacteriological importance for the Public Health and other departments of
the Borough—a summary of which is given elsewhere.
Examinations for Tubercle Bacilli:—
Sputum 1,474 (Positive 313, Negative 1,161).
Faeces and Urine 19 (Positive 4, Negative 15).
Special Examinations for other organisms than Tubercle bacilli.
Urine 7, Sputum 3.
Treatment of Tuberculosis.
During the year, 123 patients were recommended to the London Count}' Council for sanatorium
treatment and in addition six children were boarded out by them under the Contact Scheme.
Altogether, a total of 194 patients or contacts have been recommended and sent away to
sanatoria, hospitals or convalescent homes, including 40 children for holidays to St. Mary's Camp,
through the Fulham Children's Holiday Camp Fund.
A number of patients (of advanced type) have also been admitted into L.C.C. general hospitals,
on the recommendation of the Tuberculosis Officer, through the private doctor, by letter.
The following is a summary of specialised treatments arranged by the Dispensary under the
Tuberculosis Scheme :—
813 Artificial Pneumothorax Refills (Brompton and Colindale
Hospitals)
£
s.
d.
426
15
6
32 Finsen Light Treatments (London Hospital)
8
0
0
18 Sanocrysin (Gold Salt Injections)
2
14
0
438 Ultra Violet Light Treatments (Free through the Borough
Council)
—
1,301 Treatments at a cost of
£437
9
6
The Elizabethan Open-Air School.
This special open-air school, provided by the London County Council for mild and inactive
cases of tuberculosis in children, and contacts, has accommodation for sixty scholars, ranging in age
from five to fourteen years.
There has been no change in the school routine—a detailed account of which was given in last
year's annual report—and the results of this system of rest, exercise and schooling in the open air,
together with adequate breakfasts, milk and mid-day meals are excellent, especially after children
have been there some months. Debilitated children hitherto in persistent poor or indifferent health,
seem to develop much greater resistance to colds, bronchial catarrhs and ordinary trivial ailments ;
and it is but very rarely that a relapse to any active disease is seen.
I am much indebted to the Medical Officer of Health and the Medical Officer and Nurse in
charge of the Ultra Violet Light Department in the Borough Maternity Home and Health Clinic for
their kindness in arranging and carrying out a series of Ultra Violet Light Treatments in the early
months of the year for open-air school children.