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132
The School Medical Officer and the Tuberculosis Officer continue to
work in close co-operation in the supervision of "contacts" and delicate
children. A report on all contacts and " unsatisfactory " children whom
the Tuberculosis Officer encounters in his work is forwarded to the School
Medical Officer. These children are examined and weighed at regular
intervals by the school medical authorities, and should a case fail to make
satisfactory progress, or later reveal any suspicious symptom, it is referred
back to the Dispensary for a further opinion. The scheme ensures a
more systematic supervision than would otherwise be possible, and probably
prevents a breakdown in certain cases by the timely provision of treatment,
frequently in the form of a period of convalescence at the seaside
or in the country.
The Boroughs continue to undertake financial responsibility for special
forms of treatment, such as Finsen Light for Lupus, and refills in
Artificial Pneumothorax cases on their return from sanatorium.
The Finsen Light Treatment of Lupus is on the whole very satisfactory.
All cases show marked improvement, and a cure is hoped for in the
majority. The number of Artificial Pneumothorax cases increases yearly,
and an added expenditure in this direction may be expected, but the
results are encouraging, and the expenditure in my opinion is justified.
I submit at the end of the report a statistical summary of the work
of the department for the year. The figures show no striking variation
and call for no special comment.
In conclusion I would like to thank the Medical Officers of Health, the
Hospital Physicians and Surgeons, the Resident Medical Officer, and the
Hospital Secretary for their valuable help and advice, and the Dispensary
Staff for their efficient work and loyal support.
H. TYLFORD HOWELL.
15th March, 1933.