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41
The following note by Dr. Saner upon the work of the year is of interest:—
" Statistics for the year 1934 are set out in the tables in the form required by
the Ministry of Health. The figures there given indicate to a great extent the
condition of patients from year to year as a whole, but not individually.
There has been a slight decrease in the number of definite cases and attendances
at the Dispensary. This is not unexpected, having regard to the decrease in
tuberculosis among the population generally. The early case of tuberculosis is
still the difficult one to get hold of, due to the fact that the early symptoms are
not severe and urgent enough to suggest to the individual that a visit either to his
doctor or the Dispensary is necessary.
The X-ray department of the Middlesex Hospital has proved most helpful in
the doubtful cases.
Child contacts have been examined at the Dispensary and those known to have
been in contact with an " open," i.e., an infectious case, are notified to the School
Medical Officer, so that special attention is paid to them at school. This co-operation
is decidedly useful.
The Care Committee under the Hon. Secretaryship of Miss Broadbent has met
fortnightly during the year, and 424 cases have been brought before it, either as
regards treatment or matters affecting such things as clothing, dentures, nourishment,
housing or work.
Of the patients dealt with, 87 went to sanatorium, 36 had been discharged
from sanatorium, 83 cases received treatment in hospital and 19 of these went on
to sanatorium. Nine children had convalescent treatment through the Invalid
Children's Aid Association, Portland Town Association or Charity Organisation
Society. One patient was supplied with clothing, 2 with dentures, 2 with extra
food, 2 were recommended for better housing, 1 obtained suitable work and 1 was
lost sight of. Deaths reported numbered 32. There were 168 progress reports
on patients who had received treatment at Sanatorium sent to the London County
Council. Of the 168 it is found that 44 men and 46 women are working full time,
2 men and 2 women part time; 22 men and 6 women are unfit for work; 7 men
and 8 women have been transferred to another district; 6 men and 2 women have
been lost sight of, having gone away without leaving an address. One patient, a
man, is at Papworth Colony and 1 youth at a training college. Of the young
patients 11 boys and 3 girls are working, 2 boys are in an institution, 1 girl is unfit,
another has been lost sight of and 1 boy has died.
This shows over 60% working full time after receiving treatment.
Miss Bowen, M.B.E., has devoted her time to the Ex-Service men and their
families."
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 209, as against 231 in 1933.
Of these, 32 were found to contain the bacillus of consumption, while the remainder
were free.
Non-Pulmonary Tuberculosis. — Seventeen of the total notifications—25 as
against 16 in 1933—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 46.