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51
Sixteen patients have had X-ray examinations and 159 specimens
of sputa have been examined at Westminster Hospital in connection
with the work of the Dispensary. Seven cases have had Artificial Pneumothorax
treatment at Brompton Hospital and elsewhere. In all, 118 refills
have been given at a cost to the Council of 10s. 6d. each. The results in
all these cases have been thoroughly satisfactory, and in suitable cases
the value of this form of treatment cannot be over estimated. One case
of Lupus has attended ten times for Light treatment at the London
Hospital. Seven cases have been referred to the Council's Dental Clinic
for treatment. The total number of attendances was 54, G6 extractions
and 13 fillings were performed. Dentures were supplied to 5 patients,
the Council contributing £2 towards the cost in one instance. School
children are recommended to the school authorities for dental treatment
and also for treatment of conditions of the eye and the nose and throat.
The Tuberculosis Care Committee has approved grants for extra diet
to 10 persons for varying periods at a total cost to the Council of £60.
Cases are recommended by the Tuberculosis Officer purely on medical
grounds as an adjuvant to the other treatment provided under the
Council's Tuberculosis Scheme. Most of the cases are patients who are
awaiting or have recently returned from institutional treatment.
Care and After-Care.
During 1928 the Tubercidosis Care Committee issued a report, giving
details of the various branches of its work, and citing illustrative cases
in which the Committee was able to help patients to accept institutional
treatment by obtaining relief from some of their responsibilities, or to
aid them on their return from Sanatorium. Detailed reference was also
made to the aid given by the British Red Cross Society and the United
Services Fund to ex-service tuberculous men and their dependents, and
to the Open Air Class in St. James's Park which is attended by many
children who are Dispensary patients.
Handicrafts Class.
This class, referred to in last year's report, has been continued very
successfully by the voluntary committee. Excellent work is turned out
by the patients and they appear to derive considerable physical and
mental benefit from the interest and occupation which their work gives
them. In many cases they are also able appreciably to augment their
incomes.