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Comments on Table I.
The number of new cases, including contacts, presenting themselves
for examination during the year shows a decrease as compared with 1930.
The total number of new cases found to be suffering from Tuberculosis
is 204, as compared with 200 in 1930.
The increase in the number on the Dispensary Register, 892, as
compared with 821 in 1930, is explained by the fact that some 36 cases
which originated at outside Hospitals before 1931 have been taken on to
the register under Head 2. Also, such cases which originated during
1931 at outside Hospitals have been automatically taken on to the register
as they arise, and this practice will be continued in future years. Coupled
with this there has been an increase in the number of inward transfers
during the year.
Attendances at the dispensary, Health Visitors' and Tuberculosis
Officers' visits to homes all show an increase as compared with 1930.
Good co-operation with the General Practitioners in the Borough
continues, and is reflected in the figures shown under Head 7.
The X-ray Plant at the Dispensary continues to be used for screening.
When necessary, X-ray photographs are taken at St. Andrew's Hospital.
Comments on Tables II and III.
These returns are at present optional. They look complicated, but
a great deal of interesting information may be extracted from them.
For example, take the Column headed 1926 on Table II. It will
be seen that, out of a total of 143 patients (35 with negative, 108 with
positive sputa) coming under treatment for Tuberculosis in 1926, only
50 now remain on the register, 29 having left the district and 64 having
died. Of the 50 remaining on the register the disease in 19 has become
arrested.
The columns for the other years of origin may be similarly analysed.
Throughout the table the higher death rate in positive sputum cases will
be noted. The infrequency of positive sputum cases among children may
also be pointed cut.