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Contacts.—Much of the time of the Staff is spent endeavouring
to secure the examination of every contact, and this year, out of a
total of 392 contacts, 159 were examined, of whom 10 were found
tuberculous.
The work of the Dispensary is shown on pages 71 to 76 in the
Statistical Tables, specially designed by the Ministry of Health.
Residential Treatment.—During the year 240 recommendations
were made to the County Council (including the Public Assistance
Committee) for Hospital or Sanatorium treatment. The average
duration of residence in Sanatorium was a little over four months.
The Open-Air School at Charlton Park continues to do excellent
work for the children recommended from the Dispensary, of whom
about 52 are in attendance.
X-Ray Examinations.—The arrangements made last year for the
X-Ray examinations to be carried out at the Seamen's Hospital still
continue and during the year 165 X-Ray examinations were made:
in 35 patients definite evidence of Tuberculosis was found; in 11 the
evidence was doubtful, and the remainder proved negative. It should
be added that 9 of the above examinations were made to note
progress.
Sputum examinations at the Seamen's Hospital numbered 358,
of which 69 were positive. These examinations are, of course,
exclusive of those carried out on behalf of the Medical men
practising in the Borough.
In closing this section of the Report I have again the pleasure
of recording that the relations with all the other Authorities dealing
with Tuberculosis (e.g., the Public Assistance Committee, the
Ministry of Pensions, the British Red Cross Society, the School
Medical Service, the Hospital Authorities, and last, but not least,
the General Practitioners practising in the Borough) have been cordial
and the co-operation well maintained.
The Public Health Committee continues to act as the Care
Committee, as far as assessments are concerned, the remainder of the
care work, e.g., the preparation of reports, enquiries, the finding of
help for needy patients, etc., has fallen upon the Dispensary Staff,
assisted by a voluntary worker, Miss D. Cornish, to whom the Committee are indebted for much willing help.
As before, several good friends have come forward with gifts of
clothing, bed and bedding, but it is becoming increasingly difficult
each year to obtain help from such sources, and many of the more