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Apart from the question of cost, we must also consider the fact that the moral
condition of the patient may degenerate as an effect of prolonged idleness. As
will be seen later, in some sanatoria, -this difficulty is overcome partially by providing
occupation for the patients. As far as possible, this occupation should be of an
outdoor nature. In this district, a large number of consumptives consists of tailors.
It will be readily seen how injurious it would be for the patient, and how useless the
sanatorium treatment would be, if the consumptive returned to his trade and former
surroundings. The probable cause of his illness, is the posture in which he works,
and the inhalation of the foul atmosphere during long hours every day in a crowded
workroom. A return to his former occupation under these circumstances, would
soon be followed by a break down in his health.
Speaking generally, in spite of the comparatively large percentage of " cures,"
the results of sanatorium treatment cannot be considered entirely satisfactory, in
that comparatively few consumptives are able to obtain admission to a sanatorium,
and so large a proportion of those who are admitted, must return to conditions and
surroundings unfavourable to their continuing well. So far as they go, the figures
given below are, on the whole, fairly satisfactory. They show that sanatorium
treatment can do much, as a large proportion of cases leave the institution well
on the road towards recovery.
Though the condition of the patient when he leaves the sanatorium is encouraging,
it is necessary to enquire afterwards to ascertain whether the improvement is
maintained. If the improvement does not withstand the strain of work, we are not
justified in speaking of a " cure."
I have made enquiries as to the results in some of the sanatoria, where it is
possible for this Council to make arrangements to retain beds at reasonable costs,
and in which endeavours are made to keep in touch with its former inmates. Many
remain in good health, others relapse. The latter may cause a feeling of disappointment,
but I do not think they are discouraging. I have no doubt that some who
are classed as only " improved," return to full work, and remain well.
The disappointment which sometimes results from sanatorium treatment is
due in great measure to the fact that so few patients apply for treatment in the early
stage. This is in some degree owing to the difficulty of diagnosis in the initial stage
of the disease, but in very much greater measure to the failure of the person to seek
relief. When the means of living depend upon continuance of work, a man will not
give in for apparently trifling ill-health. If others are dependent upon the earnings
of the individual, there is even greater reason to continue work as long as the strength
allows. Thus, the working man does not always seek relief in the early stage of
consumption, nor does the woman who is employed in business. The house-wife-