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29
An analysis of the deaths from pulmonary tuberculosis
in the Borough since 1900 is shown in the accompanying Table A,
in which the figures for Lewisham are compared with those for
the whole of England and Wales, the average for each period
of five years being added. It will be seen that, with the
exception of the war years, there has been a steady decline in
the death-rate throughout the country.
Some criticisms have been offered with regard to the late
notification of cases of tuberculosis in the country generally.
This is not really so in the Borough of Lewisham, when the
notifications are analysed. For, during 1927, there were 195
deaths from tuberculosis in the Borough, 175 from pulmonary
tuberculosis and 20 from other forms of tuberculosis. Of this
number, 57 (37 pulmonary and 20 other forms) were either
un-notified or notified within three months of death, a total of
29 per cent. of late notifications. But, on investigation, it is
found that only seven of the cases could have been notified
at an earlier date, an actual percentage of 3.5.
The inhabited area of the Borough has steadily grown
during the year, owing to extension of the Downham Estate
and the opening of the new Grove Park Estate. It has been
possible to find accommodation on these Estates for a number
of families containing tuberculous members, who were living
under unsuitable conditions. It is hoped that the improved
housing and sanitation will assist materially in protecting the
contacts from infection. The notified cases of tuberculosis living
on the Downham Estate now number 69 pulmonary and 18
other forms, while 8 died during the year.
The four open-air shelters supplied by the Borough
Council were so much appreciated by tuberculous patients having
insufficient sleeping accommodation, that two additional shelters
were ordered in November from Papworth Industries. Owing
to inclement weather and continuous rainfall, they could not be
utilised before the end of the year.