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8-5
Particulars obtained as to the fitness for work of the 1,510 surviving patients
who were discharged from treatment in 1922 show that out of a total of 563 A and
B1 cases, 63 per cent, were at work, and this must be regarded as a satisfactory
testimony to the value of sanatorium treatment when applied to cases in the early
stages of the disease. The percentage at work in the other categories is as follows :—
B2, 23-6 per cent.; B3, 16-7 per cent. ; and surgical, 56-5 per cent. These results
are better than might have been anticipated. Of the total number of 1,510 in all
categories, 48-6 per cent, were at work, 5-6 per cent, were fit for wTork, but were unemployed,
43-7 per cent, were unable to work (including cases receiving further
residential treatment) and the condition of the remaining 2-1 per cent, was unknown.
In a previous report (1924) reference was made to investigations which had been
carried out into the question of the use of artificial light for the treatment of tuberculosis.
The opinion was expressed that the value of such treatment in suitable
cases was proved, but that the knowledge and experience available was insufficient
to define accurately the limits of usefulness of this form of treatment.
Artificial
, light treatment.
Arrangements have accordingly been made by the Council tor an experimental
scheme to be put into operation which will enable the Metropolitan Borough Councils
to utilise as a part of the tuberculosis dispensary services, the facilities for artificial
light treatment at certain hospitals and centres throughout London, approved by
the Minister of Health and the Council.
During the year 1926 the Council has approved proposals submitted by ten
borough councils for utilising the facilities available under the scheme. In. view
of the shortness of the time during wThich the Scheme has been in operation and the
present limited scope of the arrangements it has been decided to extend the experiment
for another year. It is probable that a number of other metropolitan borough
councils will wish to participate in the scheme during the coming year.
The question of the employment of tuberculous persons continues to receive
unremitting attention. In the competition of the labour market the tuberculous
patient is always at a disadvantage as compared with the healthy person and his
difficulties are intensified in conditions of wide-spread unemployment, such as
prevail at the present time. Nevertheless the tuberculosis care committees continue
to do useful work in assisting patients to get in touch with employers who can offer
suitable employment.
Employment
of
tuberculous
p. rsons.
This work has been facilitated by the institution of a scheme of co-operation
between the Employment Exchanges and the tuberculosis dispensary service with a
view to enlisting the aid of employers of labour. Arrangements have been made,
subject to the concurrence of the patients, for the tuberculosis officers to furnish
medical certificates as to the degree of fitness of patients for employment.
Reference may here be made to the useful work carried on by the Central Fund
for the Industrial Welfare of Tuberculous Persons at the Spero Leather Workshop,
Hatton Garden. At this workshop about twenty-five tuberculous ex-service men,
most of whom have first received a period of treatment for tuberculosis and training
in leatherwork at King George V Sanatorium, Godalming, are engaged in the
manufacture of leather goods. The men work under regular medical supervision at
the workshop and their cases also receive special attention from the tuberculosis
officers and the tuberculosis care committees.
A second scheme devised on similar lines has been launched by the Central Fund
at the Spero Firewood Factory, King's Cross. Here about twenty ex-service pensioners
are at work, chopping and bundling firewood. It may be mentioned that
the Council has been able to assist this venture by placing with the Committee of
the factory a large order for firewood for use in the Council's institutions.
Mention may also be made of an experiment which has been successfully tried
of employing four tuberculous patients in the Council's Parks. The men engaged
were selected after consideration of reports from the tuberculosis officers. As a result