London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Croydon 1932

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Croydon]

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126
George Newman remarks, "is not invariably due to neglect by
medical practitioners under the regulations. Far too frequently
there has been delay on the part of the patient in obtaining medical
advice, or delay on the part of the practitioner in seeking the
assistance of the Tuberculosis officer in regard to patients suffering
from chest trouble which may have a tuberculous basis."
The insidious onset of Pulmonary tuberculosis and the fact
that often considerable damage to the lungs is present before any
definite symptoms develop makes it all the more difficult to detect
the disease in its early stages.
The initiative to seek treatment when ill rests with the patient
himself, and the remedy partly lies in the education of the public
as to symptoms and common dangers of Tuberculosis and the need
for securing early treatment. It is unfortunate that 64.8% of the
new cases were more less advanced in the disease.

Non-Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

There were 32 cases examined at the Clinic and found to have Non-pulmonary Tuberculosis in the following forms:—

Bones and Joints17
Abdominal4
Other Organs5
Peripheral Glands6
32

Tables LXX. and LXX1. summarise the condition of all
patients whose records are at the Clinic at the end of 1932. These
tables show that of patients who came under treatment for Pulmonary
Tuberculosis before 1926, 362 adults and 98 children have
been discharged as recovered. Of these all but 11 were early cases.
Of 1926 cases 15 adults have recovered.
Of patients who first attended in 1932, 8 have been lost sight
of or otherwise removed from the Clinic Register. Of the 1931
cases 39 were lost sight of.
Of patients who attended prior to 1926, 234 adults and 13
children are known to have died ; since 1926, 557 adults and 12
children are known to have died. Of patients attending for the
first time in 1932 26 have died.