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29
TUBERCULOSIS DISPENSARY.—The work of the
Tuberculosis Dispensary was continued at the Hammersmith
Hospital under the arrangement made with the
London County Council and the British Post-Graduate
Medical School. Ten sessions, at which patients are seen
by appointment, are held each week.
New Patients.—During the year 1,211 persons attended
for examination for the first time, 539 males and 672
females. Of these 216 were under the age of fifteen and
995 were adults. Of the total 664 were referred to the
Clinic by local practitioners for the purpose of consultation,
16 by the National Service Medical Boards and 3 by Mass
Badiography Groups. Four hundred and two were "contacts"
of persons suffering from tuberculosis. Of the
"contacts" examined 21 were definitely cases of tuberculosis,
whilst 381 were non-tuberculous. Of the 3 cases
referred to the Clinic by Mass Badiography Groups, 1 had
active disease.
Total Attendances and Examinations.—The total
attendances of persons for the purpose of examination,
observation or treatment, numbered 7,323, and physical
examinations were carried out in 4,025 instances, i.e., in
55 per cent. of the total attendances.
Home Visitation.—The Tuberculosis Officer made 169
visits to homes of patients for the purpose of examination
and investigation of the home conditions, and 46 visits to
St. Charles' Hospital.
The Tuberculosis Visitors visit cases of tuberculosis on
notification, and thereafter as far as possible at intervals of
six months or less, as may appear advisable. During the
year 2,634 such visits were made, of which 401 were
ineffective.
During the year 77 definite cases were transferred from
other areas into the Borough and 41 moved out or were
lost sight of. Fifty-six were written off the register as
being cured.