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continuity of progress as regards tuberculosis visiting and have
resulted in fewer visits being paid in 1936 as compared with the
previous year.
Tuberculosis Health Visiting. 1936 1935
Initial home visits 79 114
Following-up visits 949 1,297
Attendances at the Dispensary 40 40
1,068 1,451
In my opinion the time has now approached when this very
necessary public health activity should be given its due importance
by extending the half-time appointment to a full time one.
In support of my opinion I have to submit the following
observations of the Clinical Tuberculosis Officer (Dr. F. W. Hamilton)
on this matter.
"The following points are worthy of notice in connection with
the time allowed to the Tuberculosis Nurse for health visiting:—
"To secure the attendance of tuberculosis contacts persistent
and repeated efforts are necessary on the part of the nurse. These
efforts cannot be made unless she is allowed to proceed with her
work without interruption and is not liable to be removed at any
moment to do temporary work in another department.
"Stoke Newington is a particularly difficult Borough to work
in as regards tuberculosis visiting for the following reasons:—
(a) Its relatively wide area compared with the population.
(b) The fact that the population varies greatly in prosperity,
some persons being very poor and others too well off to wish for
assistance under the Tuberculosis Scheme (at any rate at the
commencement of their illness). Both such classes are throughout
London found to be in the 'difficult' category.
(c) The fact that a considerable number of tuberculous persons
from other areas are continually moving into this Borough. It
is a matter of experience that such people, having as they think
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