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The following note by Dr. Saner upon the work of the year is of interest:—
" The statistical figures for the year 1932 are given in full in the tables, copies
of which have been forwarded to the Ministry of Health and the London County
Council. They need no comment except perhaps to note that the number of new
cases shows a slight decrease whereas the attendances at the Dispensary show an
increase. Altogether 627 examinations were made in the 12 months and 204
specimens of sputum were tested. In all 232 progress reports have been forwarded
to the London County Council on those patients who have been at a sanatorium
either for pulmonary or surgical tuberculosis. Out of these one finds that 107 are
working, 106 at their original occupation and one at a new occupation; 8 are unable
to obtain work, 9 are doing light house work—these are mostly the married women
—18 have transferred to other districts, 3 have been crossed off the register as
" recovered," 3 have died and 31 are unfit for work. Some 52 failed to attend for
examination for some reason or other, as lost sight of or refusal to attend, but 29
were reported as being well and working.
The Care Committee has met fortnightly during the year and 361 patients have
been brought to their notice, either because they were going to sanatorium or had
returned from treatment, or were recommended to the Charity Organization for
assistance in connection with work or convalescence. Some children were referred
to the Invalid Childrens' Aid Association while 41 patients were sent to general
hospitals, 21 of them receiving sanatorium treatment following the rest or nursing
in hospital.
Miss Bowen, M.B.E., as usual, has looked after the ex-service men and their
families. The X-ray department of the Middlesex Hospital has again been of
assistance particularly in doubtful cases.
•
A supply of suitable clothing is now provided for those patients who are to
undergo institutional treatment who do not possess it and cannot afford to buy."
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 623, as against 801 in 1931.
Of these, 126 were found to contain the bacillus of consumption, while the
remainder were free.
Non-Pulmonary Tuberculosis.— Fifteen of the total notifications—23 as against
17 in 1931—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 59.