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43
Improved sanitation has undoubtedly assisted in bringing
about a decline in the death-rate from Phthisis during the
past few decades, and as the spread of infection can be controlled
to a great extent if simple precautionary measures
are taken by those affected with the disease, there is every
reason to anticipate a further considerable reduction in the
mortality.
This year marks a distinct advance in Finchley in endeavouring
to deal with and control the spread of Tuberculosis
generally. In the Spring of this year the Finchley
Urban District Council Act came into force, which gave the
Council much greater power in dealing with milk infected
with Tuberculosis, and with cows suffering from Tuberculous
Udder.
In December of this year a further advance was made
generally throughout the country by an order from the Local
Government Board obliging the Poor Law Authorities to
notify cases of Pulmonary Tuberculosis to the Medical Officer
of Health. It is generally believed that this measure will,
if the proper steps are taken, do great good.
The question of dealing with persons suffering from
Pulmonary Tuberculosis is one of great difficulty, especially
where it occurs amongst the poor. Undoubtedly Phthisis is
a curable disease provided the disease is recognised sufficiently
early, and the sufferer is in a position to place himself under
suitable treatment. Unfortunately, very many have not the
means at their disposal, and have to attend to their work,
which produces a double evil, in the first place they themselves
are getting worse, and in the second place they are
transmitting the disease to others.
Some four years ago the Finchley Urban District Council
had the matter of treatment of those suffering from Pulmonary
Tuberculosis under consideration, and agreed to
maintain a certain number of beds in a sanatorium to be