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115
30 patients who took their own discharge from institutions, 16 were
in the B. ii. group—patients suffering from chronic pulmonary
Tuberculosis, with Tubercle Bacilli present in the sputum and
moderately advanced disease. The method of handling patients in
this group constitutes one of the most difficult problems of the
Tuberculosis worker, and many of them are in and out of institutions over a period of years.
As in previous years doubtful cases of Tuberculosis are sent
to St. Thomas's Hospital for X-ray examination and for a further
opinion, and if the diagnosis is still not established, observation
beds are provided by the London County Council in Brompton
Hospital, or some similar institution.
Treatment of patients suffering from non-pulmonary Tuberculosis by Artificial Light has been continued during the year.
Seven patients have received this form of treatment, and the results
are set out in the table below. In my experience the results are
disappointing, and compare unfavourably with those obtained
under routine sanatorium treatment. I have little doubt that as an
adjuvant to Sanatorium treatment in those cases, Artificial Light
treatment has a definite value, but I am satisfied that in the
majority of cases, in addition to the local treatment, Sanatorium
conditions are desirable.

During the year, at the request of the London County Council,
the Tuberculosis Officers of the various Metropolitan Borough
Councils have been appointed Consultant Medical Officers for
Tuberculosis at the County Council's general hospitals. Following
upon this, the Tuberculosis Officer has visited St. James's Hospital,