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Children not definitely tubercular, but in a poor state of health, are, if considered
advisable, referred to the Invalid Children’s Aid Association for convalescent treatment.
During 1924, 20 children were referred for such treatment.
Cases of lupus are sent to the London Hospital for Finsen Light treatment, payment
being made by the Borough Council at a fixed rate for each exposure. Five cases were under
this treatment during 1924.
A number of cases considered suitable for Pneumothorax treatment have been
receiving this at Brompton Hospital, payment at a fixed rate per “refill” being made also in
these cases by the Borough Council. Eight were receiving this form of treatment in the
year.
Recommendations are made to the Medical Officer of Health for grants for extra
nourishment from the special fund for this purpose in the case of patients who are likely to
derive permanent benefit from it, and whose circumstances seem to require it. Such cases are
those who are out of work and awaiting institutional treatment, or who, after a period of
institutional treatment, require it to maintain their condition till re-emploved. Fifty-two
cases were recommended during the year.
Recommendations are also made for the provision of extra bed or bedding, and reports
made re sanitary conditions observed as needing attention on visits of Tuberculosis Officer at
the homes of patients.
Under the Borough Council Scheme for treatment, dental treatment is given to patients
in need of it and dentures supplied. In the case of insured patients, part of the cost is borne
by approved societies if dental benefit is accorded to their members. The remainder of the
cost, or part thereof, is borne by the Council. The Care Committee assist by advising the
Medical Officer of Health as to the capacity of the patient to contribute to the cost. In
1924, fifty-two cases were sent for dental treatment, and dentures supplied in ten cases.
Reference to the Care Committee.—All notified cases whose conditions are such as seem
to require it are, if willing, referred to the Care Committee to deal with such circumstances as
fall within its province. The Sub-Committee of the Care Committee meets weekly and is
attended by the Tuberculosis Officer. In cases of urgency letters are given to be taken at
once to the Hon. Secretary.
To assist in the very difficult task of obtaining employment for the tuberculous
patient who is fit for it, letters are given to the local employment exchange, stating what the
patient's occupation was, whether he is now considered fit for it, and if not, suitable occupations
are suggested. To overcome the reluctance of employers to take, or of others to work
with, tuberculous patients, a certificate is given re freedom from infection. If the patient
cannot be certified as definitely non-infectious, a “conditional” certificate is given, stating
under what conditions he is not likely to be infectious. 18 cases were referred during the year
to the Exchanges.
REPORT by Dr. STRUTHERS.-Wards 7 and 8.
Report of the Tuberculous Dispensary (University College Hospital) for the year 1924.
The following report follows the lines suggested in Memorandum 37/T of the
Ministry of Health:—
Close co-operation has been maintained with the Local Authorities. Frequent consultations
take place between the Tuberculosis Officer and the Medical Officer of Health for the
Borough, and at the end of the month the latter is furnished by the former with reports of
the work done in the dispensary. Numerous reports and returns have also been prepared for
the London County Council and other Authorities.