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59
few hours leave to have their "refils," and then returning to
their respective occupations. The one disadvantage experienced
at "Harts" in carrying on artificial pneumothorax treatment is
the lack of an X-ray plant on the premises. As mentioned in
previous reports, the X-ray work is carried out at the Forest
Hospital, Buckhurst Hill, and although this is efficient, nevertheless,
there are many times and occasions where a " screening "
done at once without the loss of time of arranging an appointment,
etc., means much both to operator and patient. Also, in addition
to artificial pneumothorax cases, an ambulance journey for
patients with pleuritic effusions, etc., often has a deleterious effect
upon the course of the disease. When, however, the proposed
Pavilion for "Advanced" and "Observation" cases is erected,
I hope that an X-ray apparatus will also be provided.
Bacteriology.
The number of sputa examined in 1930 was 235 as compared
with 224 in 1929. The anti-formin method has been used in some
cases, but it is found that careful selection of specimens of
sputum is more important than any particular laboratory method.
Several specimens of urine and pleural effusions were microscopically
examined after centrifugalization, also pus from a
pyopneumothrax.
Two blood-sugar estimations were also obtained for a
patient with diabetes.
Complications met with and treated.
(a) Those directly due to tuberculosis—
Laryngitis 11(of these 5 died), hydropneumothorax
3, pyopneumothorax 1, meningitis 2 (these
both died).
(b) Not directly due to tuberculosis—
Rheumatism 1, visceroptosis 1, haemorrhoids 2,
bronchitis 3, diabetes 1, heart disease 2, eczema 1,
neurasthenia 2, asbestosis 1, ototis media 2, tinnitus
aurium 1.
There were also 13 cases of dental disease, and those patients
who were fit enough were given leave to obtain treament from
their own dentists. This procedure naturally, to some extent,