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"Although 'Housing' is not an affair of the Dispensary, it is gratifying to
learn that some of the patients, especially those in whom the disease is either
quiescent or arrested, have been moved into surroundings more suitable to their
needs on the recommendation of the Tuberculosis Officer. The difficulty still
appears to be with the large family, where the parents are not in a position to pay
a higher rent in addition to the increased travelling expenses.
"The Open Air School supported by voluntary contribution still parries on its
good work in Regent's Park. The attendances of the children during the year
have been well up to the average. It is satisfactory to learn that a child returning
to ordinary elementary school takes its place in its proper standard and sometimes
even one higher. This must be gratifying to the teacher, Mrs. Fitzgerald, who
spares no effort to bring about such good results.
"The Care Committee has met regularly once a fortnight during the year
except the holiday month, and 270 cases were brought to their notice, discussed
and dealt with. Of these, 118 were either recommended to the London County
Council for treatment or were returned home after treatment which had commenced
in 1927. The Ex-Service men in need of financial help or clothing have been
referred to Miss Bowen, the United Services Fund representative of the district.
"In October the Tuberculosis Officer attended the Conference arranged by
the National Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis, a report of which was
tendered to the Council."
Bacteriological Diagnosis of Consumption.— The number of specimens of
expectoration sent by medical men for bacteriological examination, from cases in
which there was some doubt as to the diagnosis, was 653, as against 712 in 1927.
Of these, 117 were found to contain the bacillus of consumption, while the
remainder were free.
Non-Pulmonary Tuberculosis.—The great bulk of the total notifications—22
as against 35 in 1927—in the case of this form of tuberculosis came from institutions
where the patients were undergoing treatment. Visits were paid to the
homes and, where necessary, advice with regard to the obtaining of treatment was
offered.
Particulars as to the parts affected by the disease will be found in the table
on page 51.