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107
During routine examinations many new cases, though
non-tuberculous, are found to require medical treatment for
other conditions, and such persons are advised as to the best
means available for them to obtain suitable advice or assistance
to enable them to be restored to health.
During the year, 98 children, who were suffering from
anaemia, malnutrition, and various other conditions, discovered
on examination, were referred to the Woolwich
branch of the Invalid Children's Aid Association for treatment
at convalescent homes or at the remedial clinic conducted
by the Association. This side of the work conducted
at the Dispensary is of very great value in maintaining the
health of the child population and prevents more serious
diseases from developing.
Co-operation with local practitioners. During the year
55 cases were seen by the Tuberculosis Officer at the homes
of patients, and 420 were referred to the Dispensary by
medical practitioners in the Borough. In addition to these,
many cases seen at the Dispensary were advised to seek
advice from their own medical practitioners, and in this
connection 597 letters were written to doctors by the Tuberculosis
Officers. Under the National Insurance Acts, medical
practitioners dealing with insured persons are required to
furnish certain reports on discovering that the insured person
is tuberculous and also quarterly reports (G.P. 17) on such
patients who are receiving domiciliary treatment. These
reports are not always furnished, and, indeed, there is room
for much improvement in this particular matter when regard
is paid to the fact that the general practitioner is responsible
for the treatment of these cases.
Co-operation with the School Medical Service. There is
also close co-operation between the School Medical Service
and the Tuberculosis Dispensary, by means of which the
School Medical Officers can refer ailing children to the Tuberculosis
Dispensary, and the Tuberculosis Officer can refer
cases to the School Medical Service for supervision. Under