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115
At the beginning of 1938 there were 95 patients in Cheam.
During the year 134 were admitted and 129 discharged, whilst 6
died, thus leaving 94 patients in at the beginning of 1939.
There were 5 observation cases sent in: 3 males and 2 females.
Of the 3 males 2 were not tubercular, and of the 2 females 1 was
not tubercular; therefore, there were 3 observation cases in nontuberculars
which are shown above. The 2 that were tubercular
are in with the tubercular cases and are not shown as observation.
Artificial Pneumothorax cases discharged but still under treatment,
12 males, 15 females (see above), making total discharges:
males 70, females 65.
These 27 Artificial Pneumothorax cases only refer to cases
discharged in 1938; those discharged in 1937 and still having refills
have not been included.
Surgery is gradually taking a greater part in the treatment of
Pulmonary Tuberculosis, and it is becoming increasingly difficult
to arrange for the admission of patients to the few institutions
available for this form of treatment. The delay incurred sometimes
means that when the patient is admitted he is no longer suitable
for this treatment.
In any plans for a new Sanatorium, it will be essential to
include a hospital block, provided with a properly equipped operating
theatre. It will also be necessary to appoint a visiting thoracic
surgeon and an anaesthetist, so that patients can have the benefit of
the most successful form of treatment known to the medical profession.