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44
Of 152 patients, 123 gained weight—average gain in weight,
8 23 lbs.
29 patients lost weight or unable to be weighed—average loss
of weight, 5'5 lbs.
Average duration of stay, excluding observation cases, 17
weeks.
Number of patient days, 18,309.
Number of beds available, 51.
Average number of beds occupied, 50.74.
The number of cases admitted shows an increase of 2 over
the previous year. The type of patient who seeks admission
shows a definite increase in favour of the early case, 86 as against
54 in the preceding 12 months. This is a welcome feature, as the
result of treatment in such cases is maximal.
The average duration in the institution for treatment was 17
weeks. This is, of course, a comparatively short average period
of residence as far as the treatment of the disease is concerned;
yet it is a period of time that many notified patients are reluctant
to devote to the treatment of their disease; whilst others are
utterly unable to prolong their stay for financial or domestic
reasons.
Of the special forms of treatment, artificial pneumothorax has
been performed regularly throughout the year ; the number of refills
being 184. The arrangement for X-ray control of the refills and
X-ray definition and location of the disease with the Forest Hill
Hospital authorities has been quite satisfactory. The results of
this special treatment seem to conform with those obtained in
other sanatoria.
During the year the recreation side of the institution has
been developed. Amongst the patients a Recreation Club has
been formed. Throughout the winter performances of plays have
been given by amateur Dramatic Clubs, and Concert Parties have
provided additional entertainment. Wireless, too, has been
installed—the male wards having been provided with individual
headphones and the female ward's with loud speakers.
These activities doubtless provide such relaxation and amusement
as conduce to mental serenity, and certainly tend to relieve
the tedium that treatment necessarily involves.