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75
If it be conceded, as it logically must be, that anything which
can be done to raise the general standard of health tends to lower
the susceptibility to tuberculosis, I think one can justifiably argue
that this series of cases affords evidence of the value of contact
examination in this direction.
Sanatorium treatment for pulmonary or surgical cases is
provided by the London County Council in institutions on the
outskirts of the town, in the country, or at the seaside, on the
recommendation of the Tuberculosis Officer. It is now a rare
occurrence for patients to refuse treatment, though it often requires
considerable persuasion to secure their consent, especially in the
class that is most likely to benefit, namely those who do not feel
themselves to be ill enough to give up their work. The waiting
period is short, being rarely longer than a fortnight. This is of
considerable importance as, apart altogether from the fact that the
earlier treatment is undertaken the better the outlook, many
people tend to become unsettled by remaining too long at home
when once the decision has been made that they must go away.
During the year the patients from this Dispensary who have
entered the L.C.C. Open-Air School at Stormont House on Hackney
Downs, have continued to demonstrate what a valuable factor the
school is in promoting the welfare of tuberculous children in the
neighbourhood.
As I mentioned last year, the London County Council no longer
requires payment from patients for sanatorium treatment, and
the responsibility for assessments has thus been removed from the
Tuberculosis Care Committee. At the same time, the Committee
continues to investigate the home circumstances so that it may be
in a position to alleviate as far as possible the difficulties that
oppress the household, including the other members of the family
as well as the patient. The Committee keeps in close touch with
the local Public Assistance Committee, the Invalid Children's Aid
Association, the Charity Organisation Society, the United Services
Fund, the British Legion, and the Red Cross Society, and through
these agencies is able to carry out such diverse functions as the
arrangement for the care of children during the absence of the
mother, or maintenance of the family during the absence of the