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77
Tuberculosis.
Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis.
The accommodation provided at Durban House for the Tuberculosis
and Chest Clinic has been considered for a long- time
unsuitable and unworthy as a centre for the investigation and
control of the tuberculosis services of the Borough. Adequate
facilities are needed in the campaign against tuberculosis, otherwise
the function of the Clinic and the work of the Tuberculosis
Officer are necessarily restricted.
Much time and thought has been given to the plans of the
new Clinic which will be situated on an adjoining site and, in that
respect, central for the whole district which it will serve.
The outstanding features are lofty and well-ventilated rooms,
providing the maximum of light and air and so arranged that
patients, whether for consultation, X-ray investigation, artificial
pneumothorax or other treatment, will receive attention expeditiously
and with due regard to their privacy and comfort. The
sequence of the Waiting Room adjoining the Record Office,
Nurses and Weighing Rooms, separate Cubicles and Consultation
Room, X-ray Room and Operating Room ensures an efficient
system in the working of the Clinic. The object is to prevent
confusion during a busy session and avoid those long and dreary
periods of waiting which affect the regular attendance of
patients.
On the first floor, rest room accommodation is provided for
the medical and nursing staff, and an after-care Committee room,
and a small kitchen for the use of the staff. A flat roof over a
portion of the building will permit of rest and recreation for
patients if required.
It is necessary to keep in mind the functions of the Tuberculosis
and Chest Clinic, and they may be summarised as follows,
viz. :—
1. A Centre for diagnosis.
2. A Centre for observation cases and routine examinations.
3. A Centre for after-care (that is following Sanatorium
treatment).