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66
So overwhelming did the work become that in June—only
eight months from the start—it was recognised that there
was more than Dr. Short could do. Accordingly, the Central
Fund Committee was asked for further help. This help was
generously given, and it became possible to appoint a second
Doctor and a second Nurse. Dr. Jessie Campbell was
appointed Assistant Medical Officer, and Miss Stevens, Second
Nurse. It also became necessary to have a full-time Dispenser,
and Staff-Sergeant Guthrie (late R.A.M.C.) was appointed.
At the end of September Dr. Short resigned, to the great
regret of the Committee, on being appointed Tuberculosis
Officer for Somersetshire. Dr. A. J. Williamson took his
place temporarily; recently this appointment has been made
permanent.
It is important to point out that the function of the
Dispensary as a preventive agent is not the least part of its
utility. The examination of 'home contacts'—i.e. people
living in the same house with definitely tuberculous patients—
formed a very large part of the doctors' work; 842 were
examined for this reason, of whom no less than 291 were either
affected or suspected of the disease. Of these, very many
had the disease in such an early stage that a complete cure is
very likely; but for the Dispensary many of them might have
developed the disease in a much more serious form as time
went on.
The relations of the Dispensary with the local medical
men have been very pleasant, and most of the latter have
co-operated with the Dispensary in one way or another.
Two members of the Executive Committee are appointed by
the local Medical Society.