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The programme of a Tuberculosis Dispensary may be summarised as follows:—
(1) The reception and examination of patients at the Dispensary, keeping
a record of every case, with an account of the patient's illness, history,
surroundings and present conditions, the record being added to on each
subsequent visit.
(2) The bacteriological examination of expectoration and other discharges.
(3) The instruction of patients, how to treat themselves and how to prevent
or minimise the risk of infection to others.
(4) The dispensing of necessary medicines, sputum bottles, disinfectants and the
like.
(5) The visitation of patients at their own homes by (i.) a qualified medical
man ; and (ii.) a specially trained nurse for the purpose of treatment and of
investigation into the state of the dwelling, and general conditions of life
and the risk of infection to others, as well as for the purpose of examination
of " contacts."
(6) The selection of more likely patients for hospital treatment, either of early
cases for Sanatoria or of late cases for incurable homes, and the supervision
when necessary of patients after discharge from hospital.
(7) The guidance, generally, of tuberculosus patients and their friends, and for
inquiries from all interested persons on every question concerning tuberculosis.
In the 7½ months from the 15th May to the 31st December, during which
the Stepney Dispensary has worked on the above lines, 671 patients have attended
for examination. Of this number 243 were diagnosed as Pulmonary Tuberculosis
and 146 as suspected Pulmonary Tuberculosis. That is to say, 36.2 per cent. of the
patients who presented themselves were found to have Pulmonary Tuberculosis.
Of this 671 cases, 469 were Christians and 202 were Jews. The percentage
of Tuberculosis found being 36.8 per cent. in the former and 34.6 per cent. in the
latter.
No less than 276 of the patients were below fifteen years of age, and 26.8 per cent.
of these were diagnosed as definite Pulmonary Tuberculosis.
Thirteen patients were sent to Sanatoria either to the Council's beds, or through
the Charity Organisation Society.
Twenty patients suffering from late Tuberculosis were drafted to the Infirmary
or to the Homes for Incurables.