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94
Hospital Visits.—The excellent arrangement whereby the
Tuberculosis Officer pays visits to St. Alfege's Hospital has been
continued. Close supervision of the patients is thus maintained
and the interchange of information is of much mutual benefit.
X-Ray Examinations.—The arrangements made with the
London County Council continue to give every satisfaction. The
number of films taken continues to increase each year (618 in 1937
compared with 554 in 1936), but the flat rate of 2/6d. per film
charged by the London County Council is so moderate that it is
felt that the obvious advantage to the patient far outweighs any
financial considerations.
In addition a large number of screen examinations were
carried out by the Tuberculosis Officer, for which no charge is made.
Artificial Pneumothorax Refills.—The arrangement made
in 1934 with the London County Council regarding the provision
of this treatment is continued ; 21 patients now attend St. Alfege's
Hospital for refills and the number of refills given by the Tuberculosis
Officer during 1937 amounted to 353.
In the earlier part of the year, owing to the increasing number
of patients taking this treatment and the difficulty in the case of
those working, of attending the afternoon refill clinic, it was felt
that an extra evening session would be of advantage.
This was accordingly commenced and is working satisfactorily.
Ultra Violet Light Treatment.—89 cases were referred for
treatment in 1937, as compared with 93 in the previous year,
The following table shows the classification of cases for whom it
was recommended :— No.
Non-tuberculous respiratory conditions (the majority
being children with bronchial catarrh) 23
Subnormal children including some ' contacts' of so-
called pre-tuberculous type 32
Debility following various infectious diseases 8
Rheumatic conditions 6
Adenitis (non-tuberculous) 17
Adenitis (tuberculous) 2
Tuberculous Abscess 1
1,689 treatments were given altogether, the majority being
general exposures.
It is hardly necessary to add that the greatest care is taken
to prevent contact between tuberculous and other patients. This
is possible because of the small number of tuberculous cases
considered suitable for this treatment,