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32
Tuberculosis Dispensary.—The Tuberculosis Medical Officer
(Dr. Shinnie), in his annual report, states :
" There has been a considerable increase in the number of new patients
examined. This is partly accounted for by new patients being found in the
wards of the Infirmary. There was a total increase of 108 over the
previous year. The Infirmary accounts for 60, some of whom would have
been examined in the ordinary course on discharge from that institution.
Another source of increase seems to lie in the number of contacts. In
1922 183 were examined, and in 1923 the number increased to 245, a
difference of 62. The total of old patients attending was slightly less—800
as compared with 825 in 1922. This is due to school children having been
transferred to the School Medical Officer during 1922 ; formerly they were
under supervision at the Dispensary. Under the L.C.C. scheme of 1922,
school children who no longer exhibited signs of active tuberculosis ceased
attendance at the Tuberculosis Dispensary, and came under the care of
the School Medical Officer.
The total number of individuals (old and new) attending during the
year was the largest since the Dispensary was established, namely, 1,329.
Total attendances were less—3,133—which means that on the average
patients were attending at less frequent intervals. This is suggestive of a
higher state of health generally.
Administrative and clerical duties figure largely in the routine of
tuberculosis work. Reports to Public Authorities and to Medical Practitioners
increased from 1,554 to 1,652.
Consultations with medical practitioners in regard to the diagnosis
and progress of cases occur more frequently as years go on. They increased
from 181 to 209. This is an indication that the Dispensary has
achieved one of the chief purposes for which it was established, namely,
to be of assistance to the general practitioner in dealing with cases of
tuberculosis.