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118
BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK.
Southwabk Tubbrculosis Dispensary,
82-84, Newington Causeway, S.E
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the
Borough of Southivark.
Sir, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have pleasure in presenting my report for the year 1923. The
Dispensary has been actively carried on during 1923 and the results of
the work has shown very satisfactory returns.
The number of primary notifications has been very low, being over
two hundred less than any year during the war period. The number of
deaths recorded is fewer than any previous year, being about 150 a year
less than any during the war period.
On my appointment as Acting Medical Officer of Health in July, Dr.
K. Hamilton was appointed as Acting Tuberculosis Officer. He filled the
office with great industry and ability, and the successful issue of the year
is largely due to his energy and interest in the work.
The general conduct of the work has not varied from previous years.
11 patients were referred to Guy's Hospital for X-ray diagnosis, and 28
certificates were granted for artificial pneumothorax refils. The huts
lent out by the Dispensary have been all in use during the year and have
been appreciated. Overcrowding and lack of accommodation for isolating
the patient is still our greatest difficulty. The disinfection is a difficult
problem which received considerable attention and is being more
thoroughly carried out. Owing to the length of the disease and the fact
that the patient goes from one room to another during the day the whole
house gets infected to some degree and necessarily the disinfection is
inadequate. To counterbalance this the personal precautions taken by
the patient received special attention from our visitors, and sputum
flasks and leaflets of instructions are issued to the patient.
The whole staff has worked well and assiduously, and I wish to put
on record an appreciation of their loyal assistance and co-operation. I
append statistical tables setting out details of the work carried out
during the year.
I am. Sir, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
HORACE WILSON,
Tuberculosis Officer.