View report page

27
Linked with the dispensary it is valuable chiefly in the early
stages of the disease, and together they correlate some of the most
useful efforts in the limitation of tuberculosis which most suitably may
be undertaken by Local Health Authorities.
In the later stages of consumption, when the chances of recovery
are past, institutional treatment for a considerable proportion of the
sufferers is again indicated. For the most part this is met by the
Poor Law Infirmary. I am indebted to Dr. Turner, the Medical
Superintendent of the Infirmary in Acton Lane, for showing me the
excellent arrangements which the Guardians have enabled him to make
for the institutional treatment of tuberculosis. Two large and four
small wards, witli an aggregate of 30,000 cubic feet are set aside for
the exclusive treatment of tubercular patients. They are admitted at
all stages of the disease, though the greater number are in the advanced
stages, as shown by the following return :
1910 Number of admissions ... 66
Number of deaths ... ... 25
Average stay of patients ... 93 days.
The wards are excellent, but more suitable for advanced than for
early cases. The early cases should, I think, be sent to an open-air
sanatorium, and the need for some provision of this kind is becoming
increasingly appreciated in Willesden.
CANCER.
The death-rate from Cancer (1005 per million) is the highest
hitherto experienced.
Until the changes in the age and sex distribution of the population
are known it would be unwise to draw conclusions as to the
significance of this disturbing increase.
C 2