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62
The Dispensary works in close co-operation with the local
practitioners who, during the year, sent 286 patients for opinion
and advice or for treatment. 336 written reports were sent
from the Dispensary, and 109 reports were received from
Doctors concerning their panel patients.
The London County Council admitted 222 patients to
residential institutions. The Lewisham Hospital admitted 29
patients recommended by the Tuberculosis Officer, these being
patients seriously ill and requiring urgent hospital treatment on
account of unsuitable home conditions. Two men were sent
by the London County Council to the Papworth Training Colony.
Cambridge, thus increasing the number of Lewisham patients
at this Colony to 7, all of whom are making excellent progress.
Two of these patients have colonised with their families and
have kept at regular work for many years; the other 5 are
single youths and are learning useful trades. One of these had
lost two older brothers from tuberculosis and seemed doomed
to the same fate, he being the last child of his parents, but
Papworth has saved his life. Another had lost two adult
brothers, a baby brother and his mother from tuberculosis, and
he also has a brighter future in prospect since he went to
Papworth.
The Dispensary is affiliated to King's College Hospital and
to the Miller General Hospital, and patients are also sent
to the London Hospital for Finsen Light treatment and to
Brompton Hospital for artificial pneumothorax refills. During
the year, 4 patients made 343 attendances at the London
Hospital, and 20 patients received 264 refills at Brompton.
The Pathological Department of St. John's Hospital,
Lewisham. has examined 188 sputa of Dispensary patients, and
has also examined the blood of 27 patients by Vernes' method,
affording much help in the diagnosis and prognosis of tuberculous
disease.
Under the arrangement for dental treatment with the