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101
(iv.) Any special arrangements made to secure the co-operation of
medical practitioners and the working of the arrangements for periodical
reports on insured patients under domiciliary treatment.
Patients are constantly being referred to the dispensary by
local practitioners for opinion. In many cases it is found desirable to
see the patient more than once before giving a definite pronouncement
on the case. A full report is sent to the practitioner concerned, giving
the results of examination or observation. The arrangements for the
collection of periodical reports have secured a number of these latter.
(v.) The arrangements for following up patients in cases where the
diagnosis is doubtful.
The method of dealing with doubtful cases is that outlined in last
year's report—viz., observation and re-examination—avoiding as far as
possible the establishment of routine attendances for medicine. Owing
to some slight lessening of pressure in this latter respect, it has been found
possible to devote more time to cases of doubtful diagnosis, and especially
to cases sent in by private practitioners for opinion.
(vi.) The arrangements for securing the examination and systematic
supervision of " home contacts."
Home contacts are examined at the dispensary generally by special
appointment. The arrangements are in the hands of the Health Visitors
whose duty it is to secure their attendance at a convenient time.
(vii.) Information as to special methods of diagnosis and treatment
in use and the number of persons to whom these special methods have been
applied.
The X-ray apparatus is in constant use as an aid to diagnosis. It
is used almost exclusively for screen work. No record of the number of
cases so examined has been kept.
(viii.) The results of local experience as to the relative value of each
form of treatment.
No special treatment has been in use.
(ix.) The nature and extent of any dental treatment provided by the
council for tuberculous patients.
No dental treatment is provided at present by the Council. A
proposal for a dental clinic similar to that provided for maternity and
child welfare patients has not been approved by the Ministry of Health,
presumably on the score of economy.
(x.) Any arrangements for the provision of nursing or of extra nourishment
for patients living at home.
No special arrangements for the provision of nursing for adults and
children over 10 years of age exist, but it is frequently possible to obtain
such assistance in the person of a district nurse or from local nursing
associations.