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133
"In addition to the patients enumerated in Table (2), a
certain number of 'doubtful' cases have been, and are being,
treated for varying periods. This has been necessary in order to
keep the patients under observation, and to enable me finally to
determine the diagnosis. 12 Dispensary patients from Stoke
Newington and Hackney have received advice or treatment from
the Medical staff in the various special departments of the
Hospital.
"It must be admitted that the numbers, on the whole, are
small. This, I think, may be accounted for in at least two ways—
first, that small numbers correspond with my usual experience on
opening a Dispensary. A Tuberculosis Dispensary takes time
to become known, and time is also required for the acquisition
of the necessary confidence on the part of all concerned in its
method and aims. Second, the War has undoubtedly affected the
attendance.
"42 patients have been examined, from which it appears that
32 have been diagnosed as suffering from Tuberculosis, while
11 have been regarded as 'non-tuberculous,' or 'doubtful.'
This latter figure is an important one, for, so far as those preliminary
figures go, they tend to show that the Dispensary is
being used for the purpose for which it is primarily intended. It
is to be hoped that the relationship of this number to that of the
former class will remain at least as satisfactory.
"The examination of the 'contacts' has, as was anticipated,
been stimulated considerably as the result of the work of the
Tuberculosis Nurse, and it will be noted that in no 'contact'
person so far have been able to diagnose Tuberculosis. This
is very satisfactory. 2 of such cases are returned as 'doubtful';
these are being kept under observation, and by this means I hope,
if Tuberculosis is definitely diagnosed, to be ready to treat the
disease by the appropriate means at the earliest possible moment.
"So far as I can judge, the patients referred to this Dispensary
have been gratified with what has been done for them.
It is, of course, much too early to give any figures with regard
to the results of treatment. Certainly in many cases symptoms
have abated, and in some cases wage-earning capacity has been
restored.
"Periodical examinations of the sputum are made in the
cases under treatment as appears desirable."