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(xiv.) Statement as to the supply and supervision of shelters at the
homes of patients.
No shelters are at present out on loan.
(xv.) Any special points noted locally as to the incidence of tuberculosis
[i.e., occupation).
No special occupational incidence has been noted : as pointed
out last year a considerable proportion of the cases occur in patients
out of employment, or among general labourers or casual workers.
(xvi.) A ny special methods adopted or proposed for the prevention of
tuberculosis.
No special method outside the general scheme which includes
the examination and supervision of home contacts, the dissemination
of information and the supply of spit cups and sputum flasks with a
view to the prevention of massive infection, the improvement where
possible of the housing conditions, and the removal of the infectious
case, or of the contacts from close association with it.
(xvii.) Special difficulties encountered.
The general lack of employment is still acute and the possibility
of finding suitable light or part-time employment such as many
tuberculous patients would be capable of is practically non-existent.
There is always difficulty in finding suitable residential accommodation
for cases which for one reason or another the County Council
are unable to accept under the scheme. Though it is often desirable
to get such cases away from home for a time, they are frequently unwilling
to enter a local hospitel, while on the other hand they are not
suitable for a home for the dying.
The difficulty of improving adverse home conditions caused by
overcrowding is constantly experienced.
W. C. P. SMITH,
Tuberculosis Officer.