View report page

71
and Stoke Newington through the agency of the Borough Councils,
L.C.C., etc., and the influx of tubercular patients into these buildings
has been considerable. Moreover, when applicants have been considered
for the new accommodation as it becomes available, precedence
has been given to those whose previous homes have been
unsatisfactory, or to those suffering from tuberculosis or other
diseases in which it is felt that the housing factor may be of
importance. People of the latter class, as well as those definitely
phthisical, will in all probability require the assistance of the
Dispensary service in a higher proportion than those who move
purely from motives of personal convenience. Necessarily additional
work has been thrown on the health visitors, and they have
responded, as in the past, in an energetic and enthusiastic manner,
and in 1934 the number of home visits paid in Stoke Newington
was 1,608. The local practitioners have also assisted in the
tuberculosis scheme by referring patients for examination in
increasing numbers, and by availing themselves of the facilities
offered for consultation, such consultations totalling 398. It is very
pleasing to note in this connection that the number of patients
attending for the first time and presenting signs of extensive disease,
has been lower than in any previous year.
In January, 1934, the London County Council decided to attach
as honorary consultants to their general hospitals the Tuberculosis
Officers in the corresponding areas. As a result I was appointed to
Hackney Hospital where, through the courtesy of the Medical
Superintendent, I have been able to visit the tuberculosis wards at
regular intervals with the resident medical officers of the institution.
This has involved some additional work, and especially during the
winter it has resulted in a certain amount of dislocation of one's
regular duties, but on the whole the arrangement, which is at present
only on probation, has been found more practicable than I had
anticipated.
Institutional treatment is provided by the London County
Council, and not by the boroughs. There is a tendency in many
quarters at the present time to decry the value of the sanatorium,
but in my opinion, with very little justification. It is universally