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150 Report of the Medical Officer of Health.
Department to some extent, but I am able to report that all the
officials concerned have worked most conscientiously and harmoniously.
There have been many details to think of and much correspondence
to deal with, but after nine months' experience I am able to
state that the results so far have fully justified the decision of the
Council to establish these Dispensaries under its direct control.
With regard to the arrangement made for the treatment of
insured persons, the London Insurance Committee have now
settled, at least, provisionally, that the Tuberculosis Officer will
when required by them act as their expert Medical Adviser, and in
the cases that have been so far dealt with this arrangement has
worked satisfactorily.
It is to be hoped that arrangements will shortly be completed
for the treatment in sanatoria of non-insured persons, but this is
being dealt with by the London County Council, and until this has
been settled it has not been found possible to have any patients
sent to such Institutions except through the Charity Organisation
Society or other organisations, private and otherwise.
It is most desirable, especially in the case of children, that
certain patients should have open-air treatment other than at home,
and it is to be hoped that shortly this will be available.
Open-air schools, which have been established by the London
County Council in other parts of London, are a most important
adjunct to other treatment in many cases, and I would suggest that
the London County Council be approached on this matter, as there
are no open-air schools available for children in this Borough.
Definite arrangements have also been made with St. Thomas's
Hospital for referring special cases for consultative purposes, as well
as for any treatment necessary after consultation. So far this
arrangement has worked satisfactorily, although the cases so sent
have not up to date been numerous.