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46
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 432 patients was examined and
reported upon by the Pathological Department of St. John's
Hospital.
Dental Treatment.— During the year 19 patients attended at St.
John's Hospital for dental treatment and 11 patients were assisted
in obtaining dentures.
Extra Diet.— The Borough Council granted an allowance of
milk, butter and eggs to 19 tuberculous patients to enable them to
maintain their working capacity after return from Sanatorium.
Those in receipt of Public Assistance were recommended for extra
diet to the Public Assistance Committee. These numbered 115.
Shelters.-- The Borough Council loans six shelters to patients
having insufficient sleeping accommodation.
Care Committee.— The members of the Care Committee met at
the Dispensary on alternate Thursdays throughout the year to
discuss the difficulties of tuberculous patients and their families
and to devise the best methods of assisting them. Many of the
families need help in the way of clothing, beds and bedding, fares
to visit their relatives in Sanatoria and many other contingencies ;
the money to defray the expenses involved is collected by voluntary
means, such as the organisation of whist-drives, concerts, etc., and
by the sale of Christmas seals.
Handicrafts and Book-binding Classes.— These classes are held
at the Dispensary every week during term-time under the tuition
of Instructors provided by the London County Council, while the
Borough Council makes a grant to defray incidental expenses. The
patients attending the classes are those unfit for regular employment,
but sufficiently well to benefit by the instruction; they show a keen
interest in their work, which helps to take their minds off their
grave disabilities.
Tables A to E give in statistical form a summary of the work
carried out at the Dispensary. Appended is the Table required
annually by the Ministry of Health.
ROSE JORDAN.