View report page

142
X-RAY DEPARTMENT.
When the Dispensary moved to the Health Services Department in
August, 1937, the X-Ray plant which was installed in February, 1936,
was transferred to the new building. In the process of reassembling,
the whole apparatus was inspected and was found to be in excellent condition,
and there was no need for any repairs beyond the usual service.
An X-Ray photograph is taken of every case, even if it has been
referred to us already diagnosed and there is no doubt these photographic
records of cases will be of great value in subsequent years when
patients return for Dispensary supervision after sanatorium treatment.
Every adult and adolescent contact is screened and if necessary a
confirmatory photograph is taken. Younger children are always XRayed
should there be any indication for it.
The progress of patients who are having Artificial Pneumothorax
refills (which will be explained later) is also checked by frequent screen
examination. In fact it would be highly undesirable to carry out this
treatment at the Dispensary without convenient access to an X-Ray plant.
We have also acquired a small attachment for the existing X-Ray
tube which makes it possible to do Dental X-Ray, and this proves of
considerable help to the Dental Officer.
1,040 patients have been screened and 653 photographs taken during
the year.
INSTITUTIONAL TREATMENT.
The London County Council is responsible for all Institutional treatment
of patients suffering from tuberculosis, and all patients so suffering
spend some of their time in a Hospital or Sanatorium during the course
of their disease. The Dispensary acts as a Clearing Station and is
responsible for recommending patients to the L.C.C. at the appropriate
time.
In August, 1934, the L.C.C. decided that all Institutional treatment
for tuberculous patients for whom they were responsible should not be
subjected to any payment whatever on the part of the patient or his
family. The object being that the financial strain of payment in some
cases might hinder the patient's recovery by preventing adequate supplies
of necessary nourishment.