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Defaulting
The number of non-venereal patients who present themselves for examination
remains large and indicates that many of the general public understand the serious
nature of the venereal diseases and seek advice after risk of infection has been taken.
The question of defaulting is one to which attention is frequently drawn.
Analysis of the returns for 1937 shows that, as regards syphilis, 2,312 patients failed
to continue treatment until discharged. Of these, 416 ceased to attend before completing
one course of treatment; 1,378 before completing treatment; and 518
after completion of treatment but before final tests for cure. Of the 416 who ceased
before completing one course of treatment, 100 (compared with 122 in 1936) were in
the primary stage of the disease when, not only is the danger of transference of the
disease greatest, but when also the greatest benefit can accrue to the patient by
continuing treatment.
Pathology
and
bacteriology
In the case ol gonorrhoea, 4,do0 patients tailed to continue treatment until
discharged. Of these, 3,161 ceased to attend before completing treatment and
1,169 after completion of treatment but before final tests for cure ; the corresponding
numbers for 1936 were 3,840 and 1,347 respectively.
Much time is spent in the almoner's department of the various clinics in
"following up" defaulters. Many letters are despatched to patients and, where
considered practicable, home visiting is undertaken. In cases where default is due
to inability to attend through lack of means, bus or tram fares are paid.