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Contacts.—363 Contacts were examined of whom 37
were found tuberculous and 8 doubtfully so. These latter are
still under observation.
The work of the Dispensary is shown in the statistical
table on page 80 and explains itself.
Sanatorium Treatment.—During the year 144 patients
were sent to sanatoria, 101 under the County Scheme, and 43
through the Guardians. The average duration of residence was
three and a half months, but the same difficulties remain in
finding suitable employment for those discharged fit for work.
In addition, 85 children are attending the Open-Air Schools
at Shooters Hill and Brent Knoll, and are all doing remarkably
well. The Open-Air School brings practically all the advantages
of the Sanatorium to the immediate homes of the children
without in any way breaking with the home life or interrupting
their education. They are or should be the schools of the future.
The children are all periodically examined at the Dispensary, in
addition to the supervision of the School Medical Officer.
A new and modern Open-Air School is being built in
Charlton Park and is expected to be opened early in I he new
year. It will be much more conveniently situated for Greenwich
children.
X-Ray Examinations.—During the year. 291 patients were
examined at the Greenwich and Deptford Hospital. Of these,
227 were adults, and 64 children. The parts examined were
Chest 260, Other 31.
Sputum Examinations.—Of 183 sputum specimens bacteriologically
examined at the Seamen's Hospital. 40 proved positive.
At the same time, 91 specimens were examined at the Dispensary
for Albumen, 29 being positive.
Tuberculosis Care Committee.
The work of the Care Committee seldom varies and never
ends, and there is always more work than Helpers. The Public
Health Committee continues to act as the Care Committee, but
as that Committee confines itself to 'Assessments' the problem
of finding means for 'caring and assisting' necessitous patients
falls mainly on Miss Johnston, the Honorary Secretary, who is
indefatigable in her efforts in this direction, and the Dispensary
Staff.
Through the kind assistance of several friends and again
of the various Societies mentioned in previous Reports, 19