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failed to undergo an appropriate examination during the year. Of the total number of contacts,
examined at the dispensary during the year, only one was found to be suffering from tuberculosis.
During the year 2,314 home visits were paid by the women health officers. In addition to these,
members of the various voluntary organisations represented on the care committee visit the homes
when so desired by the care committee, but unnecessary duplication of visiting is avoided.
Ancillary Services.
Dental Treatment.
Mr. A. Dreaper, L.D.S. (R.C.S.), who was appointed by the council in 1927 as dental officer,
continued to act in this capacity during 1936. The following table shows the work carried out
during the year :—
Number of patients treated 66 Number of extractions 98
Patients' attendances 160 Number of dentures 18
Number of fillings 1
Every case receiving dentures is reported to the care committee who assess the patient's
contribution towards the cost, but in most cases it is not possible to make any assessment.
Artificial Pneumothorax Treatment.
When patients return home after a period of institutional treatment a certain number require
specific forms of therapy to be continued. The most common form of specific therapy in this
category is the refills necessary with artificial pneumothorax treatment. Most of the patients are
dealt with at Brompton Hospital, but arrangements are entered into with other hospitals when there
is some difficulty about time and travelling. The borough council accept financial responsibility
for the cost of this treatment at the rate of 10s. 6d. per refill.
During the year 19 patients were undergoing this treatment and received 309 refills.
Specific Gold Therapy.
One patient received a course of sanocrysin treatment during the year, whilst attending
Brompton Hospital as an out-patient. The cost was borne by the council.
Artificial Light Therapy.
Artificial light therapy is of benefit in cases of tuberculous disease of the skin, and during the
year one patient received light baths at St. John's Hospital, for lupus of the face. The cost was
borne by the council.
Housing.
Tuberculosis has always been associated with bad housing conditions ; but with the general
improvement in the housing standards, there has been a concurrent reduction in the incidence of
the disease.
In spite of the general standard being raised, there is still something to be desired in the housing
of many of the tuberculous cases. There are several difficulties, the main one being that the
majority of cases are living in bad housing conditions by reason of the family economic position.
Better accommodation is difficult to obtain for any family in a strained financial position due
to a chronic debilitating condition like tuberculosis, especially when many families capable of paying
higher rents and with good prospects are demanding better housing. These tuberculous families
are, however, referred either to the London county council or to the borough council's housing
department, and preferential treatment is given.
Bed and Bedding.
The council provides a service of decided value which temporarily alleviates border-line housing
conditions by the loaning of bed and bedding. This encourages the home isolation of the patient
and is a factor in preventing the spread of infection in the home. This service is of great benefit
while the patient is awaiting residential treatment, or in cases where the family are awaiting the
provision of better housing accommodation.
In 1936, 30 patients had assistance under this heading for varying periods. The following
is a list of the articles lent :—
Bedsteads 22 Mattresses and covers 24
Pillow-slips 55 Pillows 51
Blankets 60 Sheets 77
Quilts 25
On 31st December, 1936, the following articles of bedding were on loan to 22 patients :—
Bedsteads 13 Mattresses and covers 15
Pillow-slips 36 Pillows 35
Blankets 43 Sheets 55
Quilts 17
Extra Nourishment.
It is well known that the nutrition of the tuberculous patient must be adequately maintained
after undergoing residential treatment, so that he can derive full benefit from the convalescence.