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All persons in whom evidence of disease was shown were followed up. The
patient's doctor was communicated with and the X-ray film and report forwarded
to him. At the same time the patient was told to see his own doctor, who was
asked to inform the medical director of the subsequent diagnosis and steps taken
to obtain treatment. It was suggested that the patient should be referred to the
local tuberculosis officer if necessary.
The clinical findings of all cases were subsequently ascertained, including the
ultimate diagnosis and the final disposal of each individual.
During the year a survey was carried out at Long Grove Hospital (mental
patients). The total number of patients examined was 2,341 (1,161 males and 1,180
females). In 4.13 per cent. males and 1.19 per cent females the presence of radiologically
significant tuberculosis previously unsuspected was discovered and required
further investigation. In addition 183 members of the staff were examined and two
cases were referred for further investigation. The figures are not included in the
above table.
Maintenance
allowances
(Memo. 266T)
Payment of maintenance allowances and grants under the Government's scheme,
set out in memorandum 266T of the Ministry of Health, to patients undergoing
prescribed treatment either in a hospital or sanatorium or at home under the tuberculosis
officer's direction, continued throughout the year.
The machinery of the dispensary service was utilised in connection with enquiries
for the purpose of determining the amounts payable, and, where practicable, for
the actual payment of the allowances. The tuberculosis officers are responsible for
determining eligibility on medical grounds for any allowances authorised, and during
the year approximately £123,000 was paid in allowances. About 1,750 patients were
continuously in receipt of the allowances throughout the year.
Midwives Acts, 1902 to 1936, nursing homes registration and contributions to
voluntary organisations for maternity and child welfare
Although the Council is not a welfare authority under section 250 of the Public
Health (London) Act, 1936, it is responsible in London for the domiciliary midwifery
service established under section 1 of the Midwives Act, 1936. The service is maintained
(i) by midwives in the direct employment of the Council and (ii) by midwives
employed by voluntary hospitals and district nursing associations which are subsidised
by the Council. Patients attended by either the Council's midwives or by the
midwives of the voluntary organisations are charged the same fees of £2 10s. for a
first confinement and £2 for a subsequent confinement or maternity nursing, and
common assessment rules are applied. The payments made to hospitals and district
nursing associations for each confinement are £4 6s. 6d. and £4 19s., respectively. A
free maternity outfit is provided by the Council for the patients attended by the
midwives directly employed by the Council or by the midwives of district nursing