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74
During the year 70 new cases were examined, and of these, 48 were found to
be tuberculous. The numbers of contacts were smaller than in the previous year
as it so happened that very few of the original cases had any relatives, or, if there
were any relatives, they were living at a distance; many of them, for instance,
were single men or widowers living in common lodging houses. Of the 41 contacts
who were examined, however, four, or 10 per cent., were found to be tuberculous,
thus again proving the value of this side of the work. If these last-mentioned
numbers be added to those given in last year's report it will be seen that in eight
years the examination of 556 contacts has resulted in the discovery of 24 new
cases, just over 4 per cent.
The number of deaths was 13 as compared with 14 in the previous year, and
they were all due to tuberculosis. Six patients were removed from the register as
being cured.
As in previous years the local medical practitioners have continued to make
good use of the dispensary, and there have been frequent occasions for referring
patients from the dispensary to University College Hospital. Once again it is a
pleasure to record the valuable help received in many ways from the members of
the Tuberculosis Care Committee, both as a body and individually.
One feature of the modes of. onset this year has again been that several have
started with haemoptysis; this onset is a rather terrifying one for the patient, but
it is in some ways a blessing in disguise, in that it calls his attention to
his trouble at once and induces him to seek advice and undergo treatment, whereas
otherwise he might be inclined to delay matters and, by persuading himself that
he "only had a cold" or was "run down " to put off the attempt to secure
treatment until the disease had a firm hold on him.
Report of the Tuberculosis Care Committee for 1931.
The Committee has met 11 times during the year. The average attendance
of members at each meeting has been 8.9.
Fifty-two cases have been considered—27 new (23 adults and four children)
and 25 old cases (22 adults and three children).
Twenty-four cases—20 adults and four children—were referred to the
Committee for assessment. Two of these refused to go away for treatment and
were not considered. Twelve adults and two children were recommended for free
treatment. Eight adults and two children were assessed to pay contributions
varying from two shillings to thirty shillings per week towards the cost of their
treatment and maintenance. In six instances assessments were re-considered on
account of changes in circumstances.
Contributions towards the cost of treatment and maintenance amounting to
£171. 10s. Od. were collected on behalf of the London County Council in 20 cases—
14 adults and six children. Ten of these were still under treatment at the close
of the year. One case was referred to the Council's Official Collector on account
of non-payment of contributions, and in one case arrears were cancelled as
irrecoverable.