View report page

97
circumstances of the patient. The Tuberculosis Visitor endeavours to visit each
home in her district once in three months, but, in the case of patients with recent
and more active disease, visits are more frequent.
Work for the Minister of Pensions.—The amount of work done under this head
is falling. The numbers of reports furnished during the year was four.
Examination of Home Contacts.—On receipt of each primary notification every
effort is made to induce people living in the same house as the patient to present
themselves for examination. In many cases, however, it is very difficult to persuade
them of the necessity for examination. During the year under review 388 contacts
were examined.
X-Ray Examinations.—Experience shows that X-ray examinations are indispensable
in a thorough examination of a patient suspected to be suffering from
Tuberculosis. In the later stages of the disease this examination is also necessary
for the efficient control of treatment by artificial pneumo-thorax, and is essential
if surgical measures are under consideration. The number of these examinations
was not so great in 1933, however, as in 1932, owing to the fact that the Tuberculosis
Officer is now able to make use of the apparatus in St. Nicholas Hospital
when cases are sent in there for institutional treatment. X-ray examinations are
carried out at the War Memorial Hospital and during the year 412 examinations
were so carried out, compared with 533 in 1932.
Observation Cases.—Observation cases are those in which no definite diagnosis
has been arrived at during the first month. A number of these fail to continue in
attendance but a check is kept upon these cases by going through their case-papers
at the end of each month, and, if they are not attending, the Tuberculosis Visitors
endeavour to get them to visit again.
Co-operation with St. Nicholas Hospital (L.C.C.).—Since July, 1926, the Tuberculosis
Officer has visited St. Nicholas Hospital weekly in accordance with an arrangement
made with the late Board of Guardians. The London County Council, in
pursuance of their policy of uniformity throughout London, during the year terminated
the appointment of all Consultants in their service, and subsequently made
re-appointments. Included in these appointments were Tuberculosis Officers as
Consultants at the Poor Law Hospitals for their respective areas.
Co-operation with Local Practitioners.—During the year 65 new cases were seen
by the Tuberculosis Officer at the homes of the patients, and 298 were referred to
the Dispensary by medical practitioners in the Borough.
Co-operation with the School Medical Service.—There is intimate relationship
between the School Medical Service and the Dispensary. Many cases are referred
to the Dispensary by the School Medical Officers, and the child contacts of tuberculous