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76
In all 74 patients were treated during the year (as compared
with 55 in 1938 and 48 in 1937) and the refills given numbered 1,223
the numbers at each of the hospitals being as under:—
Brompton Hospital 184 Colindale Hospital (L.C.C.) 2
St. Thomas's Hospital 82 St. James's Hospital 955
Two sessions for this treatment are held weekly at St. James's
Hospital, one being an evening session.
The cost incurred by the Council in regard to the 18 patients
sent to hospitals other than St. James's amounted to £140 14s. 0d.
as compared with £221 lis. 0d. in 1937.
Examinations and Reports.
Bacteriological examinations made during the year numbered
853, the specimens in 181 cases coming from medical practitioners.
The number of positive results was 187, or 21.9 per cent.
Reports to public bodies numbered 919.
Consultations with medical practitioners at the homes of
patients and reports made on patients sent to the Dispensary
totalled 960, while reports received in respect of insured persons
on forms G.P. 36 and G.P. 17 numbered 50.
There were 23 patients referred to hospitals, other than for
X-ray examination.
Artificial Sunlight Treatment.
During the year 8 Dispensary patients received treatment
at the Council's artificial sunlight treatment centre at Southlands,
making 199 attendances. In 4 cases treatment was completed,
and in 6 cases definite improvement was reported. The usual
period of treatment is from three to four months.
The work is carried out by one of the Dispensary nurses under
the direction of the Tuberculosis Medical Officer.
Details of other patients dealt with at this Centre will be
found on page 48.
Shelters and Beds.
Provision is made by the Council for the loan, in suitable cases,
of shelters for the use of patients to enable them to sleep in their
gardens. In addition, two shelters are available at Southlands,
adjoining the dispensary, for use during the day by patients selected
by the Tuberculosis Officer. These patients are provided with
dinners at a small cost to the Council.
Arrangements are also made for the supply by the Council of
beds and bedding in necessitous cases.