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(k) Co-operation with London County Council Local Hospital.—The Tuberculosis
Officer is deemed to be an Honorary Consultant for tuberculosis at St. Nicholas
Hospital. The appointment still continues to be subject to review each year. He
attends at the hospital once weekly and sees there all cases in the tuberculosis
wards and such cases in other wards as may be referred to him for an opinion by
the medical staff.
Nowadays patients in all stages of the disease are admitted to hospital in the
first instance, and the Tuberculosis Officer's advice is sought as to whether a
particular case should be transferred to a sanatorium or remain in hospital, or be
sent to a colony. It can confidently be said that it is a good thing for the Service
that the Tuberculosis Officer should act in this capacity at the local hospital.
(I) 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. 0d. is paid for each
attendance. No such treatment was given during 1935.
(m) Artificial Pneumothorax.—This treatment consists of collapsing the
diseased lung, or portion of the lung and so resting it. This is done by introducing
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. The
lung is kept collapsed for a period varying from 2 to 5 years. In 1921 the Council
agreed to pay 10s. 6d. for refills at Brompton Hospital in the case of patients recommended
by the tuberculosis officer for this treatment, but since that date payments
have been made in respect of patients treated at other voluntary hospitals and
at London County Council general hospitals. The number of patients who received
this particular treatment during the year was 45, and the number of refills given
was 621.
(n) Dental Treatment.—Dental treatment is carried out under the Council's
scheme at the School Clinic, Brewer Street. During the year 24 cases received
treatment, the number of attendances being 40. The only charge made to patients
is in connection with the supply of dentures, and then patients are assesged according
to their means. Dentures were supplied in ten cases at a cost of £31 17s. 0d., and
payments by patients amounted to £13 6s. Od. In assessing patients due regard
is given to dental benefits they may be entitled to from approved societies.
(o) Home Nursing.—Arrangements have been made with all the local nursing
associations whereby the cost of home nursing of patients certified by the tuberculosis
officer to require it, is defrayed by the Borough Council. During the year
1,962 such visits were made, and the cost to the Council was £122 12s. 6d.
(p) 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