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These figures are fewer than last year, due to a further revision
of the Register. The figures are now a correct reflection of the
number of "live" cases. This revision has entailed much work,
but, unless done periodically the Registers become overburdened
with cases, and though the figures are obviously more impressive,
the picture is out of perspective. The figures include all the
notified cases in mental hospitals, poor law infirmaries and other
institutions, and also cases not suitable for treatment under the
Council's scheme.
A summary of the work of the Dispensary during the year
1931 will be found in Tables LXV. and LXXIV.
The Dispensary Register of Cases.
The number of cases of Tuberculosis under the supervision of
the Dispensary at the end of the year was 1,037. This is equivalent
to 4.44 persons per 1,000 of the population.
The Dispensary Register has been revised yearly during the
past four years, so as to make it a correct record of the cases in
the Borough who are under the supervision of the Dispensary.
This has necessitated a lot of patient work in following up old
cases, some of whom had not been seen for a number of years. A
considerable proportion of the cases marked off had left the Borough
or bad recovered to such an extent that they could be considered
as cured. The names of those who did not desire or require public
medical treatment were also removed.
By these means the number of persons on this Register has
been reduced from 1,965 on 1st January, 1928, to 1,066 on 31st
December, 1931.
During the year 130 Dispensary cases died ; of this number,
45 or 34.6% were seen for the first time in 1931.
The Medical Officer of Health and the Tuberculosis Officer
visited a number of the institutions in which Croydon patients
were being treated (in addition to frequent visits to the Borough
Sanatorium at Cheam by the Medical Officer of Health).
Examination of Sputum.
This is done by the Council's Bacteriologist in the Laboratory
at the Croydon General Hospital.