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38
The deaths per 1,000 population from all forms of Tuberculosis in the eight
wards of the Borough during 1929, arc given in the table on page 37.
It will be seen from the table of deaths on pages 36 and 37 that out of a total of 115
deaths, 38 occurred in the patient's own homes. It is satisfactory to be able to report
that the proportion of deaths occurring in the home was not so high as 1928.
Many individuals who die at home from this disease unhappily do so under
conditions that expose other members of the family to grave risk of infection.
An offer to disinfect the home is made after a death has taken place but this is
shutting the door after the horse is stolen. The greatest risk of infection is during
the period immediately preceding the patient's death. The problem of institutional
accommodation for the dying is a very sad and difficult one, but it is hoped that it
will not prove insoluble under the new arrangements to be made in connection with
Public Health in London. This accommodation must be sufficiently near the patient's
homes for relatives to visit them and the purpose of transfer to such an institution
must be camouflaged.
The second tuberculosis visitor to whom reference was made in the last report
commenced her duties on 21st January of the year under consideration.
Miss Winifred Hiscoke, who is a State registered nurse and who holds the C.M.B.
certificate, was the person appointed. She had had previous experience in the work
of tuberculosis visiting and the excellent work she has done in Shoreditch fully
justifies the appointment.
The work of the Tuberculosis Dispensary and of the Shoreditch Tuberculosis
Care Committee during 1929 is dealt with in the following reports by Dr. A. Leitch,
he Medical Officer to the Dispensary, and by Miss M. Sutton-Sharpe, Hon. Secretary
o the Care Committee:—
Royal Chest Hospital.
Tuberculosis Dispensary Department.
The Tuberculosis Dispensary for the Borough of Shoreditch.
Report for Year 1929.
The figures for the past year relating to the work done during the Dispensary
Sessions show an increase when compared with those for 1928:—
Attendances increased by 289.
Examinations increased by 129.
The figures showing the number of visits paid to the homes of patients show
small decreases as compared with 1928:—
Nurses' visits were less by 184.
Medical Officers' visits were less by 33,