View report page

160
CHAPTER III.
PUBLIC HEALTH.
Tuberculosis.
The responsibility in London for the public provision of treatment for tuberculosis
rests on the Council, which in 1914 prepared a comprehensive scheme,
revised in October, 1922.* Under this scheme the Council arranges for the provision
of residential treatment required through a public authority (other than
poor law guardians) and the metropolitan borough councils provide or arrange
for the provision of dispensary treatment. Various particulars in regard to the
work done under the scheme are given in Chapter I of this volume (pp. 18-27
and 34-42).
In order to provide more residential accommodation for advanced cases of
adults suffering from tuberculosis, the Metropolitan Asylums Board has reconditioned
its institution at Grove-park, Lee, accommodating upwards of 300 patients, for the
reception mainly of advanced cases of both sexes.
The question of the dietary of patients receiving treatment under the Council's
tuberculosis scheme in sanatoria and hospitals was investigated and the Council
came to the conclusion that the dietary was adequate and satisfactory.
The dispensary service was the subject of special survey in 1920†. Recommendations
for the development of the service are made to the metropolitan borough
councils from time to time by the Council with the approval of the Minister
of Health.
In consultation with the Minister of Health the Council has approved of
arrangements in several cases during the year for the post-graduate instruction of
tuberculosis officers and similar arrangements have been approved in principle for
the provision of "refresher" courses for tuberculosis health visitors and
nurses.
Under the Council's scheme, the contributions received from parents or
guardians towards the cost of the residential treatment of children were, up to
31st March, 1925, paid into a fund, known as the Tuberculosis Contributions Fund,
which was applied towards the provision of institutional treatment in certain cases,
the boarding out of children from homes infected with tuberculosis, and the provision
of clothing, surgical appliances, etc., the Invalid Children's Aid Association
undertaking the necessary arrangements. Since 1st April, 1925, in consequence of
a decision of the Minister of Health, such contributions are credited to the county
fund, and, as in the case of contributions in respect of adults, the total amount
received, less certain deductions, is divided between the Council and the Metropolitan
Asylums Board on the basis of accommodation provided. The institutional
treatment formerly provided by the Association is now carried out through the
Council's schcme, and the accumulated balance in the Fund is being applied towards
defraying the cost of boarding out children in suitable cases in which the home
or other conditions render this desirable and of supplying clothing and surgical
appliances. The Invalid Children's Aid Association has continued to undertake
these arrangements on the Council's behalf.
Arrangements were made in consultation with the Ministry of Health, under
which metropolitan borough councils are enabled in connection with the tuberculosis
dispensary service to secure the treatment in suitable cases of persons suffering
from tuberculosis, by artificial light in out-patient departments of approved hospitals
and other centres. The scheme was approved for an experimental period of one year
from 1st April, 1926, in the first instance.
* Scheme for the treatment of tuberculosis in London. No. 2183. Price 4d.
† Tuberculosis in London. Report of the Public Health Committee. 1st July, 1920. No. 2035.
Price 6d.