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76
The work of the Committee now consists chiefly of considering the needs of the
patients as regards extra nourishment, clothing, fresh employment, re-housing, and
financial aid. In a few cases help was given direct from the Committee ; others
were referred to different charitable agencies within the borough, while the majority
were dealt with, on the Committee's recommendation, by the London County
Council. Miss Bowen continued her excellent work for the ex-service men and their
families. Extra nourishment in the form of milk is supplied to necessitous cases either
by the Borough Council or, in the case of patients already in receipt of out-relief,
by the Public Assistance Committee on the receipt of a certificate from the Tuberculosis
Officer.
The number of X-ray examinations made during 1937 was 370, an increase
of 17 on the previous year. X-ray examination remains the best method of detecting
the early case and of excluding disease in the doubtful. It has, therefore, become a
routine procedure in all new patients and in all adult and adolescent contacts. It
is, in addition, one of the most efficient methods of checking progress after sanatorium
treatment is completed. This is particularly true of the early case, and the
greater the number of cases detected in an early stage the greater will be the number
of follow-up radiograms. This must be regarded as money well spent, for it is in
such cases that, with adequate active treatment, there is hope of ultimately obtaining
a cure. At the first sign of an extension of the disease, re-admission to sanatorium
for further treatment can be obtained without further delay.
The number of patients who had returned from sanatorium and were receiving
artificial pneumothorax refills as out-patients was 16 at the end of 1937. This number
has been increasing steadily in recent years. It does not necessarily mean that a
greater percentage of the cases are being diagnosed in an earlier stage, although this
may partly account for the increase It is in the main due to improved technique
resulting in a larger number of successful pneumothoraces. In suitable cases, artificial
pneumothorax treatment improves the patient's chances of recovery, frequently
shortens the duration of residential treatment, and in many instances allows the
patient to return to work when he would otherwise be unfit to do so. The saving
effected by the two factors last named more than compensates for the cost of the
treatment. The increasing number is a welcome and hopeful sign."
Deaths from Phthisis.
Some reference has already been made to the matter of deaths from tuberculosis
and at this point it is proposed only to deal with the figures relating to tuberculosis
of the lungs (consumption or phthisis).
During 1937 the total number certified as due to this cause was 51, the deathrate
being 0.56 per 1,000. In 1936 the deaths numbered 62, the death-rate being
0.67 per 1,000. The distribution of the deaths according to registration districts
is shown in Table 44 which gives also the figures for each of the 5 years 1933-1937.

The places at which the 51 deaths occurred were as follow : In general and other
hospitals, 37, and at home, 14.
Of those who died 34 were insured (21 males and 13 females), and 17 uninsured
(6 males and 11 females).
As it may be useful for statistical purposes it may be mentioned that while the
deaths numbered 51, the notified cases of pulmonary tuberculosis totalled 117.