View report page

27
REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE TUBERCULOSIS
DISPENSARY.
From Table I. it will be noted that there has been a decrease
of 80 in the number of persons on the Dispensary Register. This,
however, is not to be interpreted that the disease is on the decrease
in the Borough, rather is it otherwise, for the actual number of
" patients," i.e., persons definitely known to be suffering from
tuberculosis has increased by 57. The decrease in the number of
persons on the register (80) is to be accounted for by cases " lost
sight of," cases not confirmed at the Dispensary, or definitely nontuberculous.
Thus during the year to the " live " register has
been added 57 patients.
Regulations 37/T.—As from 31st January, 1926, the new regulations
of the Ministry of Health with regard to tuberculosis became
operative. The purpose of these regulations is " to ascertain
the extent and to estimate the value of the work done under
the approved schemes of Local Authorities for the treatment of
tuberculosis, and to obtain a uniform presentation of the facts for
the country as a whole." Such a codification of statistics, together
with a definition of duties and responsibilities, has long been
necessary, and with time will serve not only as the basis of much
valuable information, but also will provide an instrument which
will strike a blow against the bulwarks of tuberculosis.
Treatment.—The number of patients in receipt of " treatment
" at the Dispensary is limited. Ordinarily medicinal treatment
is undertaken at the hands of the medical practitioner; under
special circumstances only is any treatment of this character undertaken
at the Dispensary. Ancillary treatment, viz., artificial
pneumothorax, tuberculin (diagnostic and remedial) and dental
treatment is undertaken in connection with the Dispensary. In
both the former modes of treatment provision is made in emergencies
for immediate in-patient treatment, should recourse to such
steps be rendered necessary. Dental treatment, however, is not
undertaken on any scale worthy of consideration. The recent extension
of benefits under the National Health Insurance Acts has
been purposely utilised in this connection, and insured persons are
recommended to make all possible use of any such extended
benefits to which they may be entitled.