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The scheme for the closer co-operation between the school medical officers
and tuberculosis officers in the supervision of contacts, continues to work
smoothly. It provides that contacts of school age who attend the Dispensary
and are probably not suffering from tuberculosis, and other children suffering
from ill-health not due to tuberculosis, shall be transferred to the school
medical service. Should suspicious symptoms develop later in any particular
case it may be referred back to the Dispensary for a further opinion.
In addition to ordinary dispensary treatment the Boroughs make provision
for special forms of treatment, such as Finsen Light in Lupus cases, and
refills in Artificial Pneumothorax. The number receiving this latter treatment
shows a steady yearly increase. Treatment by Sanocrysin (or " Gold ")
has been tried in a few of our cases, but it is too early to say what benefits,
if any, have resulted therefrom. These special forms of treatment, like
Dispensary treatment, are of course all free to the patient—in fact, since
the introduction by the London County Council of the revised scheme for the
treatment of tuberculosis in London, all treatment, both residential and
Dispensary, has been made free. Thus tuberculosis is brought into line
with other infectious diseases. As in the case of Diphtheria or Scarlet Fever,
apart from any consideration for the patient, it is to the public advantage
that patients suffering from tuberculosis should be cured, or, if this is not
possible, at least isolated for a time, and it seems therefore not unreasonable
that the public should pay for this measure of protection to themselves.
I submit at the end of this report a statistical summary of the work of the
department for the year; the tables presented show no striking variation
as compared with those of recent years.
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, 1935.