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33
specially assigned to consumptives where as far as circumstances permit the
principles underlying sanatorium treatment are carried out. The accommodation
here available is very largely used. Most of the cases admitted are, however, in an
advanced stage. Over 40 per cent. of the deaths of inhabitants of the Borough
from consumption during the year occurred in this institution, and altogether
between 50 and 60 per cent. of the deaths of persons belonging to Shoreditch. who
died from consumption, took place in public institutions either within or beyond the
limits of the Borough.
Early in the year the question of the establishment of a Tuberculosis
Dispensary on the lines of those existing elsewhere came under the consideration of
the Health Committee. In my report on the subject I suggested the establishment
of a joint voluntary dispensary for Shoreditch and Finsbury to be worked as a
department of, or otherwise closely identified with, the Royal Hospital for Diseases
of the Chest in the City Road which is conveniently situated for such purpose.
Upon the report of the Health Committee the Borough Council approved of the
suggestion and communicated with the Hospital Authorities and the Finsbury
Borough Council, On July '24th, there was a meeting in the Board Room of the
Chest Hospital at which there were present representatives from the Central Tuberculosis
Dispensary Fund, the local branches of the Charity Organisation Society,
the Royal Chest Hospital, and others interested in the Health and Social Welfare of
the two Boroughs. The meeting was unanimously of opinion that a joint Dispensary
should be established in as close association with the hospital as practicable, on a
voluntary basis, under the management of a Committee representative of the
hospital and the two Boroughs. Subsequently steps were taken to proceed with
the establishment of the dispensary, and considerable progress was made. A hitch,
however, arose which resulted in the suspension of proceedings for the lime being.
The responsibilities of the Sanitary Authority have been markedly increased
during the last two or three years in consequence of the Regulations made by the
Local Government Board relative to consumption, and every effort has been made
by the sanitary staff to cope with the necessary work which has arisen therefrom.
During the year under consideration a great deal of useful work has been done in
the Borough under the Regulations mentioned, a far larger amount than in any
preceeding year, but it is relatively insignificant when compared with what ought to
be done in a Borough like Shoreditch, and which will undoubtedly have to be done
to give effect to the important provisions contained in the National Insurance Act,
1911, relating to tuberculosis.
OPHTHALMIA NEONATORUM.
This is an inflammation of the eyes of an infectious nature which attacks
infants shortly after birth. If promptly and efficiently dealt with it usually yields
to treatment without permanent injury to the eyes. Delay in securing proper treat-
c