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52
Attendances of Patients- During the year, the new patients who
attended the Dispensary numbered 717, and the total attendances
were 3,405. Of the new cases, 214 were referred to the Dispensary
by their medical attendants, 174 were referred from Hospitals
or from other areas, 261 were contacts of tuberculosis patients. A
summary of first attendances is shown in Table C.
Home Visiting.—The three Health Visitors paid over 4,870 visits
to the homes of patients ; they gave advice as to the arrangement of
the home for the benefit of the patient and the protection of the
contacts and also arranged for the disinfection of rooms, bedding,
etc., when necessary. No uniform is worn, so that the visits may be
as unobtrusive as possible. Many instances of the appreciation of
these visits by the patients and their families are recorded. The
Tuberculosis Officer visited 267 patients in their homes and also
saw 11 patients in their homes in consultation with their medical
attendants.
Reports.—Written reports to the number of 1,204 were sent
out from the Dispensary.
Residential Treatment.—The London County Council admitted
134 insured and 73 uninsured patients to residential institutions ;
while 54 patients were referred direct to the Lewisham Hospital by
the Tuberculosis Officer, these being patients in urgent need of treatment
and having unsuitable home conditions. The Tuberculosis
Officer visited the tuberculosis wards of the Lewisham Hospital 36
times in the capacity of consultant in tuberculosis to the Hospital.
Affiliated and other Hospitals.—During the year, 140 patients
were sent to St. John's Hospital, Lewisham, for X-Ray examination
and report. Treatment by artificial pneumothorax is becoming ever
more utilised and, during the year, 95 patients received this form of
treatment as out-patients at various hospitals, 55 of them attending
St. John's for the purpose. The cost of this treatment is born by
the Borough Council. Light treatment for cases of lupus is given
principally at the London Hospital. For laryngeal examination and
for surgical diagnosis some patients have been referred to King's
College Hospital or to the Miller General Hospital.
Sputum Tests.—The sputum of 395 patients was examined and
reported upon by the pathological department of St. John's Hospital.
Dental Treatment.—During the year, 26 patients attended St.
John's Hospital for dental treatment and 5 patients were assisted
in obtaining dentures.