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53
The Tuberculosis Officer paid 399 visits at the homes of patients,
every newly-notified case being visited, unless there were any contra-indication
for such a visit. Twelve patients were visited in consultation with their
medical attendants. In connection with the home visits, 344 contacts of
the patients were seen.
The London County Council admitted 164 patients to residential institutions.
The Lewisham Hospital admitted 50 patients recommended by the
Tuberculosis Officer, these being usually advanced cases living under unsuitable
home-conditions. Some were afterwards transferred to London County
Council institutions; but the advanced cases are happier in remaining near
their own people, where they can be visited more frequently. Homes for
advanced cases, to be really useful, should be near the homes of the patients,
whose admission should not be subjected to delay. This is the case as
regards the Lewisham Hospital, but does not apply to any other institution
available for Lewisham patients. Advanced cases frequently discharge themselves
or are discharged by the administrative authority. In these cases the
home-contacts have but little chance of escaping infection.
The Dispensary is affiliated to King's College Hospital and to the Miller
General Hospital, and during the year 11 patients were sent to the OutPatient
Departments of these Hospitals for special investigations.
Special Treatment.—Two patients were treated by Finsen Light at the
London Hospital, one by the carbon arc lamp at King's College Hospital,
and six for artificial pneumothorax refills at Brompton Hospital, this treatment
having been sanctioned by the Borough Council.
Extra Nourishment and Dental Treatment.—The Council has granted
special diet allowance to 15 necessitous patients, and 26 patients have, with
the sanction of the Council, received dental treatment at the British Dental
Hospital, Lewisham.
Open-air Sh- Iters.—The two shelters supplied by the Council have been
in constant use and have been greatly appreciated. More of these shelters
could be utilised with advantage to the patients and their families.
Tuberculosis Care Committee.—In April, 1925, the newly-appointed
Secretary of the Care Committee took up her duties. She reports that the
complete Care Committee met 13 times and the Sub-Committee 10 times
during the year to discuss the welfare of patients and to assess the amount
of their contributions towards their institutional treatment. The Secretary
has kept in touch with voluntary and other charitable organisations, with
the help of which grants in aid, clothing, extra diet, loans of beds and
bedding, etc., have been secured for necessitous cases. The amount collected
from patients during the year for their institutional treatment was £574 1s. 6d„
rather more than half the patients being asked to contribute towards their
treatment.
Ex-Seivice Patients.—The tuberculous ex-service pensioners living in the
Borough number 107. They attend at the Dispensary at regular intervals,
or if too ill to attend are visited at their own homes, so that they may
be kept under observation and given institutional treatment when considered
necessary.