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53
All but two of the 21 at work have been seen or heard from
within the last two months, and nearly all within the last two
weeks; the two exceptions are now in Canada, and were well and
at work ten months ago. Of the two "Out of work—relapsed,"
one A.B. kept well and at work until November, 1906, six months
after leaving the Sanatorium, where he stayed six months, but
has since lost his work, and his health is suffering in consequence;
the other, H.C., was at the Sanatorium two months only, left in
June, 1905, much improved, though still with distinct symptoms;
not finding work in Woolwich, he went to Canada in March, 1906,
and got work on a farm. He had excellent health while there,
and having saved enough money to pay for his return passage,
thought he would spend Christmas at home; unfortunately, he
caught cold on the journey home. His disease has recurred, and
he is now again seeking admission to the Sanatorium.
The two not heard of were at work and in good health, six
months and one year respectively, after going to the Sanatorium.
Of the five who are ill and unfit for work, one was at work for
two years after leaving the Sanatorium; one was an acute case
sent direct from a consumption hospital, without being seen by
the Medical Officer of Health; the other three improved at the
Sanatorium and performed their duties for a few months but soon
relapsed. Two did well as long as they were at work.
89. In my last report, it was remarked, "It is a question
whether the curative results (of Sanatorium treatment) can be
considered quite satisfactory." A year's further experience
enables me to speak more positively and more appreciatively of
this aspect of the phthisis sanatorium.
The fact that probably the lives of all the patients were
prolonged, that 33 out of 42 were able to resume their ordinary
duties, after going to the Sanatorium, at least for a time, and that
half the patients appear to be permanently cured, justifies the