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32
Report of the Medical Officer of Health for 1940.
Artificial pneumo-thorax treatment of Dispensary patients
is carried out at several hospitals by arrangement. The number
of cases receiving this form of treatment is increasing. 173 cases
were treated during the year and 2,840 refills were administered.
The cost to the Council was £1,456 16s. 6d.
Dental Treatment. This is provided by the British Dental
Hospital and includes the provision of dentures. 33 patients
received treatment which cost £17 7s. 6d. and 20 were supplied
with dentures at a cost of £66 3s. 6d. The total cost for the year
was £83 lis.
Extra Nourishment is granted to patients suffering from
Tuberculosis on medical grounds as part of the treatment of the
patient under Section 219 of the Public Health (London) Act,
1936. It is limited to the slighter cases where there is reasonable
probability that the additional food will increase the chances of
recovery or will enable the patient to remain at work or to return
to work at an early date. During the year 138 patients have been
granted extra nourishment under the Scheme at a cost of £217
12s. Id. 38 cases who were ineligible under the above scheme
were granted extra nourishment through the Public Assistance
Committee.
Open Air Shelters. The seven shelters owned by the
Council have been in constant use during the year.
Tuberculosis Care Committee.
This Committee, which meets on the first Friday in every
month at 3 p.m., is constituted of members of the Borough
Council, representatives of authorities and organisations interested
in the welfare of persons suffering from Tuberculosis and ladies
and gentlemen who have a special interest in the work.
Activities of the Care Committee. Details of the home
conditions and financial circumstances of patients who are to
receive institutional treatment are investigated. The Committee
also decide how much patients should contribute towards the cost
of dental treatment provided by the Borough Council.