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46
Prevention of Tuberculosis.—In connection with preventive work in respect
of tuberculosis, the Dispensary, which has now been part of the borough tuberculosis
scheme since April, 1921, continued to prove most valuable, the members
of the staff rendering excellent service.
Particulars with regard to patients dealt with during the year are shown in
a table at page 48, while the following short table summarises the information as
to visits paid by members of the staff:—
No. of visits by Tuberculosis Officer New, 72 Old, 154
No. of cases at Dispensary New, 337 Old, 2,014
No. of attendances at Dispensary 4,010
No. of visits by Miss Baker First visit, 212 Re-visits, 1,225
No. of visits by Miss Bartleet First visit, 179 Re-visits, 854
No. of Committee Meetings attended 24
The Tuberculosis Care Committee continued to meet fortnightly throughout
the year, Dr. Saner, Miss Baker and Sister Bartleet attending and assisting in
every way possible.
The Open Air School in Regent's Park, which was established in 1911, continued
its useful work during the year. The number of children on the roll was
29—14 boys and 15 girls—and the attendance numbered 9,278. Dr. Saner, who
has been Medical Officer of the School sinpe he took office at the Dispensary,
continued to act in this capacity.
The following extracts from a report by the Tuberculosis Officer (Dr. Saner)
contain reference to a number of points that may be of interest.
" St. Marylebone Hospital.-—As this year represents the first complete year
that I have been associated with the work in the tuberculosis wards at the St.
Marylebone Hospital, it occurs to me that it might be of interest to submit a
short note with regard to this institution, and to indicate some of the advantages
which I believe have resulted or are likely to result from the co-operation that
has been established between the tuberculosis department of the Borough Council
and the officers of the Board of Guardians dealing with this disease at the hospital.
In the first place I should like to say how much personally I have appreciated the
opportunity of keeping in touch with cases that I have seen at the Dispensary,
and that afterwards have been admitted to treatment at the hospital. In general
terms also I should like to express my belief that, so far as the patients are
concerned, nothing but benefit can result from the association that has been
established. The opportunities given to the tuberculosis officer are that, apart
from being able to maintain contact with his patients, he has a chance of studying
the disease in more of its phases and of applying and watching different forms of
treatment."
" Amongst the objections to entering the hospital that, prior to taking duties
there, one frequently heard was that it was at a considerable distance from the
borough, and that it was under the Poor Law. The latter excuse is not so
frequently heard now as formerly since so many of those who have been out of
work have had to apply for relief. The hesitation to enter its precincts is chiefly
confined to those people who have never had to apply to the Guardians and
suddenly finding themselves in need of treatment, learn that all the general
hospitals are full. Having thus been more or less forced to enter, it is seldom
they have anything except praise for the institution and the treatment received.
"The distance is a real grievance with many, since a visit necessitates either
an omnibus or rail and omnibus journey, which takes so much out of a slender
income. The disadvantages of the distance to the relatives of patients is fully