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50
The results of the Sanatorium treatment are more encouraging and promising
if the disease is in the earliest stages. Attention is therefore concentrated on the
early diagnosis of the disease. The early consumptive does not discover himself,
but must be actively sought out.
25 of the patients admitted to the Council's beds moved from the premises
where they lived previous to their going to the Sanatorium, but we
have been able to trace the addresses of 17 out of the 25. Some
have left the district and their addresses cannot be ascertained. It is
our intention to keep as many under observation as possible and to report on
their condition from year to year. As far as I can ascertain they live under similar
conditions whether they return to their previous addresses or not, and they have
nearly all returned to their former occupations. It is a pity that some form of
occupation could not be provided for them, which does not necessitate long confinement
indoors, but such an arrangement is extremely difficult. After their return
from the Sanatorium, the Sanatorium principles were observed as far as possible.
The windows were kept open day and night, winter and summer. In every
instance the " cured " patient informed me that he or she " was unable to breathe
properly if the windows were shut." They stated that they felt as if they were
choking. The other members of the family complained at first that they were
having more air than they desired or required. They got used to it, however, and
afterwards appreciated its advantage.
Of the twelve that have been discharged from the Sanatorium for two years
and longer, one is dead, one is very ill, three are in a fair condition, and seven
appear to be quite well and have continued regularly at their usual occupation.
Of the ten that have been discharged for one-and-a-half years and under two
years, eight are doing well, one is not doing so well, and one is in an unsatisfactory
condition.
Mrs. W., aged 24, of Lower Chapman Street, was admitted to Maitland
Sanatorium on July 17th, 1911, where she remained for 4 months. She
gained 9 lbs. in weight, and on her discharge, her temperature was normal.
She could walk one or two miles and do housework without difficulty. The
breath sounds weie weak at the apices of both lungs, but no crepitations could
be heard. Her general health was much improved. 6| months after her
discharge, it was found that her pulmonary condition was about the same.
There has been some return of the symptoms. She has been undergoing
treatment with Tuberculin, at the Tuberculosis Dispensary. Her temperature
kept normal. She attended the Stepney Green Dispensary until July, 1912,
but since that date she has been attending St. George's Dispensary.