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41
Several other eases have been admitted to the Papworth Colony, and
those mentioned in last year's Report as having apparently settled there,
still remain.
(xiv.) Statement as to the supply and supervision of shelters at the
homes of patients.
Shelters are provided on loan by the Borough Council in cases
where there is suitable accommodation and the patient appears likely to
make proper use of them. One new shelter has been supplied during the
year, and four were out on loan on December 31st.
The Health Visitors have the general supervision of shelters in their
own districts, report on their condition, and ensure as far as possible
that they are put to proper use.
(xv.) Any special points noted locally as to the incidence of tuberculosis
(/.s.. occupation).
No special occupational incidence has been noted.
(xvi.) Any special methods adopted or proposed for the prevention
of tuberculosis.
No special methods of prevention have been in use. Routine
measures are taken which have for their object:—(1) The prevention of
infection, viz., the control of the tubercle bacillus; or (2) the improvement
of the general health and the tubercle-resisting power of those
exposed to infection; or (3) their removal from surroundings where
infection is specially likely to occur. Such measures are:—the provision
of sputum flasks or cups and of disinfectant; the arrangement of separate
sleeping accommodation by means of shelters, bedsteads and bedding;
the removal of infectious cases to hospital, or of other inmates out of the
infected home; the disinfection of rooms, bedding, clothes, etc.; the
reference of weakly and ailing children to suitable agencies for treatment
or for convalescence; advice on general and special hygiene and the
improvement of housing conditions. To these should be added the
general prophylactic work of the Public Health Department. and
especially measures to ensure a pure milk supply.
(xvii.) Special difficulties encountered.
As in previous years, shortage of adequate housing accommodation
and almost complete lack of work for tuberculous patients