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87
were 40 Dispensary cases as in-patients. As the major proportion
of these cases were of more or less advanced disease, it is a matter
for satisfaction that so much infectious material could be isolated
from unsuitable or overcrowded homes.
The impression is gained that Sanatorium treatment is
lengthening to some extent. The average period would now seem
to be nearer six months than four as in previous years. The
arrangements for admission to Sanatoria in the hands of the
London County Council, aro efficient. Waiting periods before
admission are extremely short and this is a great advantage to the
patients. Indeed in one or two instances during the year, vacancies
were offered so quickly that the patient's private arrangements
were not completed and a postponement was necessary.
It is interesting to record that one of the first four patients
admitted to Colindale Hospital after its opening in 1916 was a
Greenwich patient and is under regular supervision from the
Dispensary. Apart from occasional upsets during the bad weather,
he is in fairly good general health.
Hospital Visits.—The Tuberculosis Officer has paid visits
regularly to St. Alfege's Hospital during the year. This is considered
very helpful, as it means patients have continuous
supervision. Many doubtful cases have been seen in consultation
with the resident Medical Staff, and such consultations as in the
case of those under treatment, are beneficial to the Tuberculosis
Officer and the Medical Officer connected with the cases.
X-Ray Examinations.—The arrangements made with the
London County Council relative to the carrying out of X-Ray
work at St. Alfege's Hospital, continue to give satisfaction. There
were 533 examinations carried out in 1935, as compared with 387
in the previous year. Occasionally the pressure of work necessitated
an extra weekly session. On a few occasions the Tuberculosis
Officer found it necessary to utilise the apparatus late in the
evening in connection with Pneumothorax work. At all times,
every facility has been afforded and the smoothness of the routine
generally is a matter for gratification. The only possible drawback,
is structural. It is felt that dressing room facilities aro inadequate
but it is thought that this point may shortly receive attention.
Artificial Pneumothorax Refills.—The agreement reached
in 1934 with the London County Council regarding the provision
of this continuation treatment at St. Alfege's Hospital has proved
satisfactory. It means that patients can bo attended to at one
centre instead of various hospitals at a distance. The cost is
reducod to half when the Tuberculosis Officer carries out tho work
and about 100 refills have been given in connection with the
Dispensary during 1935.