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51
REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE
TUBERCULOSIS AND CHEST CLINIC.
Dr. Ellman reports as follows:—
The work of the Clinic is increasing by leaps and bounds.
Comparative figures of the number of attendances alone more than
verify this fact.
Number of Patients attending the Clinic:—
1928. 1929. 1930. 1931.
2398 3120 3796 3447
The various functions of the Clinic outlined in the 1929 report
are being practically applied on an increasing scale.
The value of the Clinic as a consultation centre in the
diagnosis of diseases of the chest appears to be especially appreciated
by the general practitioners of the Borough, with whom the
number of consultations show definite and progressive signs of
increase.
The title of the "Tuberculosis Dispensary" having been
replaced by our new designation, with the approval of the Ministry,
has proved to be an undoubted step in the right direction, and is
being greatly appreciated by our practitioners, who are now able to
send patients to the "Chest Clinic" with greater ease. Our
Nurses are constantly reporting that they have far less difficulty in
persuading patients (more particularly those who have been in contact
with a case of pulmonary tuberculosis) to attend the Chest
Clinic.
Co-operation of Practitioners in the Work of the Clinic.
Special mention must here be made of the invaluable assistance
rendered by our local Practitioners, by their active co-operation in
the work of the Clinic.
Without this co-operation, it must be admitted, the work could
not have run so smoothly.
A number of practitioners make a practice of attending the
Clinic with the patient for the purpose of consultation.
Almost all new cases are referred by practitioners with a letter
giving particulars of the patient's history. These direct and indirect
consultations continue to increase.