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53
The Tuberculosis Officer paid 343 visits to the homes of patients
and saw 26 patients in their homes in consultation with their medical
attendants.
Reports.—Written reports to the number of 854 were sent out
from the Dispensary.
Residential Treatment.—The London County Council admitted
154 insured and 68 uninsured patients to residential institutions.
The Lewisham Hospital admitted 41 patients referred by the Dispensary,
these being seriously ill cases in urgent need of treatment and
having unsuitable home conditions.
In July, 1933, the Tuberculosis Officer was officially appointed
Consultant in tuberculosis to the Lewisham Hospital and since July
12th the Hospital has been visited 22 times, every patient in the two
wards for male and female patients suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis
being seen each week. These visits have proved very helpful
and it has been made possible to keep in constant touch with the
patients.
Affiliated and other Hospitals.—The Dispensary is affiliated to
King's College Hospital and the Miller General Hospital and patients
are sent to the Out-patient departments of these Hospitals for special
diagnostic purposes, chiefly surgical, laryngeal and radiological.
Treatment by artificial pneumothorax is induced in suitable cases
while patients are undergoing institutional treatment and, on discharge,
they attend as out-patients at various hospitals for their
refills. During the year 32 patients made 506 attendances at a cost
to the Borough Council of £265 13s. Od. Surgery of the thorax is
being undertaken to an ever-increasing degree, but has of necessity
to be carried out while the patient is in an institution and the cost
of this treatment does not fall upon the Borough Council. The
London Hospital receives out-patients for Finsen light treatment for
tuberculous skin affections and during the year 2 patients made 94
attendances at a cost of £23 10s. Od.
Sputum Tests.—The sputum of 224 patients was examined and
reported upon by the Pathological Department of St. John's Hospital