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the patient. In other instances the Tuberculosis Officer is
asked to see patients in consultation at their homes,
or the patients are referred to the Dispensary. In consequence
of these customs, 523 persons were seen by the Tuberculosis
Officer at their homes, and 884 were referred to the
Dispensary for examination. Many patients who are examined
at the Dispensary are advised to consult their own doctors,
and in this connection 688 written opinions were given by
the Tuberculosis Officers.
These letters and reports are in addition to those required
under the National Health Insurance Acts.
Co-operation with the School Medical Service. There is
close co-operation between the School Medical Service and
the Tuberculosis Officer, by means of which the School
Medical Officers can refer ailing children to the Dispensary,
and the Tuberculosis Officer can refer cases to the School
Medical Service for supervision. Under this arrangement
special attention is paid to children who are " contacts " of
tuberculous patients who have tubercle bacilli in their sputum.
These children are periodically examined by the School
Medical Officers, and at intervals the Tuberculosis Officer and
the Divisional School Medical Officer discuss what other
steps, if any, are necesary. Other children are referred to
the School Medical Service for the treatment of minor ailments
and dental caries.
Home Nursing. For home nursing the services of the
local voluntary nursing associations are sought and readily
given. During the past year, as in previous years, the
assistance given by these bodies has been most valuable and
of the highest order. Those suffering from advanced disease
or active disease necessitating rest in bed are grateful for the
help so freely and voluntarily given.