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He learns by personal experience what is of real value, and what should be
avoided. He has the encouragement of seeing, amongst his companions, the various
stages of benefit which are obtained under suitable conditions. The after-history
returns show very well the high educational value of a stay in a sanatorium, and to
what extent patients continue to live on the lines, which they have been taught.
In only very few instances have patients recorded that they have ceased to practice
any part of the sanatorium treatment. Almost invariably, the former patient states
that he, or she, is following out the treatment, as far as possible. Open windows
at night and all day when practicable, regular, and in many cases, better meals,
regular exercise, and a more carefully regulated life generally; outdoor pursuits,
such as gardening and walking being substituted for less healthy recreation, are
features of sanatorium life which are commonly mentioned as being still observed.
The object of submitting this report is to supply the Committee with sufficient
information as to the advantage of Sanatorium treatment, and whether the Committee
would be justified in recommending the Council to incur the necessary expense of
retaining beds at a Sanatorium. The number of beds for the use of residents
suggested to be retained at a Sanatorium or Sanatoria is 10. Is this number sufficient
and what will be the expense to the ratepayers? As stated in a previous report,
the number of deaths of consumption in the Borough of Stepney in 1909 was 521,
or one-twelfth of the total number of deaths in the Metropolis. This is an increase
of 31 over the number in 1908, although I have no doubt that the actual population
is less. There are no means of giving the number of persons suffering from consumption
in the Borough, but it is usual to obtain it approximately by multiplying
the number of deaths with a certain factor. By doing this, it is estimated that 2,500
residents are suffering from consumption. About 800 of these are probably dealt
with by Poor Law Authorities, leaving a balance of 1,700. At least 600 are probably
in the incipient stage, and having regard to the facts mentioned above, as well as to
the views of the principal Medical Officer to the Local Government Board, it is
suggested, that an attempt should be made to deal with this class of patients. To
deal comprehensively with them, 200 beds would probably be needed. The expense
of maintaining such a number, is, of course, prohibitive. The only Metropolitan
Boroughs which have adopted the plan of paying for beds at Sanatoria are:—
Woolwich with 7 beds, Southwark with 6, Westminster with 4 and Bethnal Green
with 6 beds.
Woolwich Borough Council pays 28s. per week for each bed at the Maitland
Sanatorium, when the bed is occupied, and 20s. a week when the bed in not occupied.
The Boroughs of Westminster, Reading and Northampton are also maintaining
beds at this Sanatorium.
Southwark Borough Council pay £78 per annum per bed at the Benenden
Sanatorium.