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VII.—No special methods of diagnosis or treatment have been investigated
at the dispensary during the period under review. Experience
has shown that it is necessary to have patients under closer personal
observation than is possible at their visits to a dispensary in order to
investigate accurately the value of many diagnostic methods and the
remedies which appear from time to time. The facilities for X-ray diagnosis
at Westminster Hospital have already been alluded to, and there remains
the special forms of treatment which are available by arrangement with
the City Council for Westminster patients at certain hospitals. Artificial
pneumothorax treatment is carried out at Brompton Hospital on
the recommendation of the Tuberculosis Officer. This arrangement has
been in force since 1921, and there is no doubt that in suitable cases
this form of treatment has a greater effect in restoring patients to working
capacity than any other—and it is noteworthy that the good health gained
is maintained, which is not always the case when sanatorium treatment
only has been given. In order to obtain the best results artificial pneumothorax
treatment should be given while the patient is in a sanatorium,
so that its good effects may be assisted by the building up afresh of his
constitution. All the Westminster cases have done well, and some of
them have been undergoing this treatment for three or four years. Those
under treatment numbered
1921 1922 1923 1924 1925
No. of patients 2 1 5 5 4
No. of refills 10 4 54 54 21
The cost to the Council is 10s. 6d. for each refill.
Arrangements for the X-ray and radium treatment of cases of lupus
and other tubercular skin conditions at the London and St. Thomas'
Hospitals have existed since 1921.
VIII.—The results of such forms of special treatment as are available
have been indicated in the preceding paragraph.
IX.—Denial Treatment.—A scheme of dental treatment for tuberculous
patients was established in 1920. The clinic is conducted at
the -Western Dispensary in Rochester Row under the care of Mr. AV. II.
Turner, L.D.S., assisted by the sister-in-charge, Miss A. St. Leger, who is
attached to the school treatment centre. The scheme is run in combination
with that organised for mothers and children under maternity and
child welfare, a special session being held once a fortnight for tuberculous
patients. Extractions requiring gas are performed once a month,
Dr. Graham Scott acting as anaesthetist.