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16
Public Health (Tuberculosis) Regulations, 1930.
There were 524 Pulmonary and 101 Non-pulmonary cases of tuberculosis
known to the Department at the end of the year 1944.
Municipal Tuberculosis Dispensary.
During the year, 155 sessions were held, and 433 new cases (of which
90 were contacts) were examined. Altogether, 895 patients attended the
Dispensary in 1944 and the total number of attendances of all kinds
numbered 2,194, an average of 14.2 per session. The attendances were
168 fewer than last year.
The Tuberculosis Officer made 35 visits to the homes of patients and
the Tuberculosis Nurse made 1,313 visits.
During the year 57 patients received artificial pneumothorax treatment,
14 patients were in receipt of extra nourishment provided by the
Council, and 5 patients received dental treatment under the Borough
Scheme. Eight hundred and twelve X-ray films were taken and in
addition many were screened as well as the routine screen examination
made for A.P. patients.
Mass Radiography.
In July arrangements were made with the London County Council
whereby an X-ray unit was made available at St. Margaret's Hospital,
Kentish Town, for persons resident or working in this Borough. Employers
of large bodies of workers in the Borough were approached, and
as a result of this appeal 877 names were submitted of persons wishing to
have the examination. Only 616 of these people presented themselves
for examination, and of these, 25 were referred for large films to be
taken. An analysis of these 25 showed 11 with no abnormality ; 7 with
calcified and other lesions ; and 7 were referred to their general
practitioners. Of these 7 cases 4 were probably tuberculous.
Financial Allowances for Tuberculosis Patients.
The Ministry of Health scheme for the grant of maintenance allowances
to persons undergoing treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis
commenced in this Borough on 30th June, 1943. The patients entitled
to benefit are those who may be expected to return to work within a
reasonable period. The Tuberculosis Officer decides whether the patient
is eligible from the medical point of view, and an Assessing Officer from
the London County Council with the help of our Local Care Committee
Assistant, decides from the financial side.
During the year 1944, 60 new applications were considered, of which
50 were granted maintenance, and a total of 109 persons were in receipt
of the allowances at some time or other during the year. The cost of
these allowances for the year amounted to £3,412, and the whole cost
is borne by the Government.
The scheme, taking into account its limitations, is working well, but
there is a definite need for its extension to cover all cases of tuberculosis,
both early and chronic pulmonary and non-pulmonary.
(5602/957) Harrison & Sons Ltd., 44-47, St. Martin's Lane, W.C.2.