View report page

9
age groups, there were 43 deaths at ages over '35 years
and 132 deaths at ages under .35 years, a tendency which
was also noted last year.
The total number of registered persons at the end of
the year was 1,059, a rate of 688.46 per 100,000 and includes
some 60 cases who have removed into the district
from other areas.
Of the total number of deaths 41 occurred in hospital,
sanatorium, or other institutions, while 34 occurred at
home. This again emphasises the lack of institutional
accommodation, particularly hospital beds, for the nursing
of advanced and terminal cases. The burden of their
care falls on relatives and the district nurses, whose help
is most valuable.
The waiting period for admission has risen to at least
six months which has lead to the provision of more home
treatment during the waiting period, with in many cases
most satisfactory results, as from time to time further
treatment in sanatorium is found to be unnecessary when
the vacancy occurs. The task of treating a patient in
bed at home over a period of some months is intensified
by the present shortage of housing and segregation of the
sputum positive case is often difficult. Tuberculosis is a
social disease and good home conditions without overcrowding
and a good standard of living are essential
factors in limiting its spread, and the ultimate solution of
the tuberculosis problem. The present scheme of government
allowances goes some way in helping a patient and
his family maintain his standard of living while priority
in rehousing is of the highest importance, and there
should be little need to justify this even at the present
time.
On the brighter side the scheme for providing home
helps is functioning satisfactorily and meets an urgent
need, although there are generally fewer available than
are required. Relatives will sometimes give up work
and be employed as a home help in the patient's house.
Both this scheme and the government allowances are
administered through the clinic welfare officer who also