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64
Some half-dozen of those recorded as at work are employed
at the Sanatorium in various capacities, receiving board and a
small wage. Of the 17 patients not accounted for, the majority
are believed to be well and at work, one at Lowestoft employed
in fishing, others in Canada, Australia, South Africa, etc.
The above table accounts for all patients who left the
Sanatorium up to December 31st, 1908. Out of 124 who have
left over one year, 48 are now well and at work, 13 are unwell,
46 have died, and 17 have been lost sight of.
85. Sanatorium treatment can nearly always, in cases not
advanced, improve health and lengthen life. In order for
health to be fully re.established and strength maintained, the
cases must be sufficiently early, and suitable conditions of life
and employment found. Unfortunately the latter condition
can seldom be fulfilled, and hence the large number of receur.
rences after work has been resumed. Many too, have suffered
from not being able to find work, or have hurried back to work
before they were fit, for fear of being discharged. Many are
unfit for Sanatorium treatment when they first give up work,
owing to having persisted at work too long under the same fear.
Consumption is largely a question of poverty.
86. The result of sending patients for only one month
has been decidedly satisfactory. For many the period seems
sufficient to re.establish their health and enable them to
resume work and keep well under favourable conditions.
Those who prove to be in too advanced a condion to benefit,
even by prolonged treatment, at any rate have their lives
lengthened, and learn how to continue the treatment at home
and avoid being a source of danger to their relatives and
friends, and the Medical Superintendent is able to pick out