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reserved for in-patients suffering from pulmonary Tuberculosis, who are susceptible
of permanent cure or a durable amelioration; they are likewise instruments of
prophylaxy and education. But the problem of sanitary dwellings will always
dominate the prophylaxy of Tuberculosis.
3. It is important that the functions of these establishments should, as far as
possible, and while not infringing their freedom and their anatomy, be made to
work in harmony with a general scheme. They can only benefit by being
connected one with another and by being placed in relation with allied institutions
such as public health and benefit societies.
4. As desiderata to be realised at the same time as the development of
dispensaries and sanatoria, the Congress would urge the necessity of certain
reforms: (a) That poor relief should assume a more preventive character and take
a more active part in promoting good sanitation. (b) That friendly societies should
also endeavour to exercise a direct action in bringing about a more rational
application of precautionary and sanitary measures.
With regard to Tuberculosis in relation to the housing question, the sections
subscribed to the following recommendations:—
1. Municipalities should adopt the necessary measures to encourage the use in
the dwellings of the poor of an abundant and cheap water supply.
2. To combat the tendency to the production of Tuberculosis by overcrowding it
is desirable to augment the number of workmen's gardens and of public gardens, to
increase the open spaces, to plant trees in open spaces of the large towns, and to
resist all that tends to increase the crowding into towns while encouraging a return
to the open fields.
The following propositions were adopted with reference to Tuberculosis and
disinfection of dwellings:—
1. It is desirable that it should be the general practice to notify all cases of
advanced Tuberculosis.
2. The means of disinfection taken in cases of advanced Tuberculosis should be in
keeping with the methods and with the aid of the processes that have been found
to be most effective.
3. The administrative ordinances, or, if necessary, the legislative enactments
which shall sanction and ensure the practice of disinfection, should be promulgated
with the least possible delay.
PROPOSED SANATORIA FOR CONSUMPTIVES.
In May, 1905, the Metropolitan Asylums Board forwarded for the consideration
of the Corporation a copy of a memorial which the Managers had
received from the Metropolitan Branch of the Incorporated Society of Medical
Officers of Health on the subject of the provision by the Metropolitan
Asylums Board of hospital accommodation for the treatment and isolation of
patients suffering from pulmonary Phthisis, and asked to be furnished with
any observations that the Corporation might desire to offer.