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patients are referred to the School Medical Service for special observation
and supervision. The Divisional School Medical Officer and the Tuberculosis Officer
in personal consultation, discuss these contacts and decide on the supervision,
desirable. Other children, whose condition is unsatisfactory, are referred to the
School Clinic for the treatment of minor ailments and dental caries, or to the School
Care Organiser, with a recommendation as to the provision of milk and cod-liver
oil to be given at school.
Extra Nourishment.—Extra nourishment in the form of butter, eggs and milk,
is supplied to tuberculous patients on the certificate of the Tuberculosis Officer.
The object of this measure is to help the ex-sanatorium patient and other suitable
cases by the provision of such extra nourishment as will make the difference between
progress and relapse: it is not intended for advanced cases of tuberculosis where
real improvement cannot be expected. The expenditure on this service is limited
to £2 per 1,000 of the population.
Dental Treatment.—Dental treatment is carried out under the Council's scheme
at the School Clinic, Brewer Street. During the year 21 cases received treatment
the number of attendances being 52. The only charge made to patients is in connection
with the supply of dentures, and then patients are assessed according to their
means. Dentures were supplied in 5 cases at a cost of £22 18s. 6d., and payments
by patients amounted to £20 7s. 3d. In assessing patients due regard is given to
dental benefits they may be entitled to from approved societies.
Finsen Light Treatment.—In 1921 the Council entered into an agreement with
the London Hospital for the treatment of persons suffering from Lupus in the Finsen
Light Department of the Hospital. A fee of 5s. is paid for each attendance. During
the year 21 attendances were made.
Artificial Pneumo-thorax.—This treatment consists of collapsing the diseased
lung and so putting it at rest. This is done by introducing gas or air through a
needle into the pleural cavity of the affected side. The air so introduced becomes
absorbed and has to be replaced at varying intervals. These refills have to be
maintained over a period varying from two to five years. In 1921 the Council
agreed to pay 10s. 6d. a refill to the Brompton Hospital, where this work was carried
out, in the case of patients recommended by the Tuberculosis Officer, but since that
date payments have been made in respect of patients so treated at other special
hospitals and at hospitals belonging to the London County Council. The number
of patients who received such treatment during the year was 23, and the number
of refills was 308.