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in which tuberculosis dispensaries have been of great national benefit. If
the arrangement had been in force throughout the country during the first
two years of the war, the national exchequer would have been saved
thousands of pounds in full pensions to consumptives whose splendid
patriotism made them answer the call but whose physical condition
rendered them a source of danger to their fellows. Since 1916 all recruits
showing doubtful chest signs are referred to the local tuberculosis
dispensaries. The T.M.O., besides his experience of chest disease, is able
to guide the medical board by his knowledge of the local conditions,
family history, predisposition to tuberculosis, fitness for certain types of
duty, &c. The medical boards have been good enough to write from
time to time expressing their gratitude for the help given by the stall
of the dispensary.
In 1916, 3 recruits were referred for expert opinion; in 1917, 140.
Of 140 recruits, 37 were found to be suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis,
71 to have doubtful signs or signs of arrested or quiescent disease,
and 32 were non-tuberculous. I am glad to say thaf most of the 71 with
doubtful signs were totally rejected by the medical boards.
Insurance Patients
70 applied for sanatorium benefit through the dispensary.
47 were recommended for sanatorium treatment.
16 were recommended for hospital treatment.
4 were recommended for domiciliary treatment.
3 were recommended for homes for the dying.
70
Of 47 sanatorium cases—
33 received sanatorium treatment.
7 refused sanatorium treatment for various reasons.
1 awaiting treatment on December 31st.
1 transferred to Middlesex.
3 were granted domiciliary treatment.
2 went to the infirmary.
Of 16 hospital cases—
4 admitted to hospital.
4 granted domiciliary treatment.
1 sent to sanatorium.
7 went to the infirmary and died there or returned home and
died.