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53
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 55, while the following short table, summarises the information as
to visits paid by members of the staff :—
No. of visits by Tuberculosis Officer New, 59 Old, 150
No. of cases at Dispensary New, 360 Old, 1,701
No. of attendances at Dispensary 3,772
No. of visits by Miss Baker First visit, 201 Re-visits, 1,652
No. of visits by Miss Bartleet First visit, 177 Re-visits, 881
No. of Committee Meetings attended 23
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
24—12 boys and 12 girls—and the attendances numbered 8,742. Dr. Saner, who
has been Medical Officer of the School since he took office at the Dispensary,
continued to act in this capacity.
The following note by Dr. Saner, Assistant Medical Officer of Health for
Tuberculosis Purposes, contains certain historical and other information that will
be found interesting :—
" The chief change in the Dispensary's history is the fact that five years
ago it ceased to function as a voluntary institution and became a municipal one.
1 his with advantage, inasmuch as it was put on a sound financial basis, and it
became an integral part of the great London County Council scheme for the
prevention and treatment of Tuberculosis.
" In 1920, owing to the Metropolitan Railway Company requiring the premises
then occupied, the Dispensary was moved from 15, Allsop Place, to 111,
Marylebone Road, a much more prominent position. Alterations had to be
carried out to adapt the building to requirements, but even with these there is
much to be desired owing to the age of the house.
" Whether the more prominent position of the Dispensary is an advantage
to its activities is a moot point since, owing to statements as to the infectivity
of the diseases, there is a tendency among the people to avoid being seen entering
the doors of an institution whose special duty it is to deal with the complaint,
until they are so far advanced as to necessitate cessation from work. One is led
to believe, therefore, that a back or side entrance to the Dispensary would lead
to a greater number attending for examination to make sure that the cough and
malaise they are suffering from is only an ordinary catarrhal condition. Thus
perhaps many more early cases would be dealt with and to greater advantage than
the majority now undergoing treatment.
" The Dispensary still remains, as part of the whole scheme in fighting
Tuberculosis, a consultation, observation centre and clearing house. It is an
institution to which any individual may come for advice free. The way in which
people find their way to the Dispensary is either that they have seen the plate
on the gate, that they are sent by their medical practitioner, or by the School
Medical Officer, by another patient, or by other agencies.
" The Care Committee instituted in the voluntary days still continues, and
is now a recognised body, consisting of members representing various societies