London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Lewisham 1925
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Lewisham Borough]
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51
Theoretically, these new houses are ideal for tuberculous patients, but in
practice, the rents are so comparatively high for the families crippled by
the poverty customarily associated with tuberculosis among the working classes,
that the result is not all that might be wished.
Table A shows the work carried out by the Health Visitors, whose area
of activity has been enormously increased by the opening of the Bellingham
and Downham Estates. Their visits are much appreciated by the patients,
who are encouraged to apply for assistance to the Dispensary organisation in
all matters concerning their well-being and that of their families.
TABLE A.
| Visits. | ex-Service Men. | Civilians | Total. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pulmonary Tuberculosis | 53 | 208 | 2392 | |
| Other Forms | 1 | 71 | 333 | |
| Subsequent Visits | 270 | 1599 | 1869 | |
| Visits to Cases not Notified | 23 | 167 | 190 | |
| No. of Patients occupying Separate Bed | 21 | 148 | 169 | 333 |
| ,, sharing bed with 1 other | 30 | 126 | 156 | |
| ,, ,, ,, ,, 2 others | 2 | 5 | 7 | |
| „ „ „ „ 3 | 1 | — | l | |
| No. of Patients occupying Separate Room | 19 | 108 | 127 | 333 |
| ,, sharing room with 1 other ... | 25 | 124 | 149 | |
| ,, ,, ,, „ 2 others | 7 | 29 | 36 | |
| ,, ,, ,, „ 3 „ | 3 | 11 | 14 | |
| ,, ,, ,, „ 4 „ | — | 5 | 5 | |
| ,, ,, ,, „ 5 „ | — | 1 | 1 | |
| ,, ,, ,, „ 6 „ | — | 1 | 1 | |
Table B shows the condition on December 31st, 1925, of all patients
diagnosed as suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis, who have attended the
Dispensary since its establishment in June, 1916. An effort is made to keep
in touch with all notified cases, in order to assist them over the many
obstructions always encountered in the course of a tuberculous life.