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tendency in certain quarters to regafd the results of sanatorium
treatment as not commensurate with the cost, but in
this connection two important factors must not be overlooked
—(1) A period of three months in a sanatorium is much too
short to yield really permanent results; and (2) Patients
returning from a sanatorium are nearly always faced with
the necessity of an immediate return to work owing to their
financial circumstances. Most of these patients are really
not fit to undertake a normal day's work, and as a result the
benefit obtained at the sanatorium is speedily lost. Dispensary
treatment is equally handicapped by the social circumstances
of the patient and cannot yield its full results until
the question of the employment of patients can be dealt
with in a more satisfactory manner than at present.
Dental Treatment. A scheme whereby tuberculous
patients could obtain dental treatment was formulated
during the year and submitted to the Council, but, unfortunately,
the sanction of the Ministry of Health and the
London County Council could not be obtained owing to
financial stringency.
Home Nursing. The nursing of patients confined to bed
is carried out by the local Nursing Associations.
Extra Nourishment. In May, 1921, the Council adopted
the arrangement outlined by the Ministry of Health in
Circular 194, whereby extra nourishment is available for
certain selected cases of Tuberculosis. This scheme, however,
was not put in force until October, 1921, and at the
end of the year, 22 patients had received assistance of this
kind at a total cost of £18 10s. 2d.