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74
HARTS SANATORIUM.
Dr. Palmer reports as follows:—
In the statistics of this report I have compared the work done
in 1947 with that of 1937. It will be seen how much the work has
increased and developed in those ten years. The chief increase
is in the amount of active treatment now carried out, and this in
spite of the fact that far too many advanced cases have to be
admitted since there is no other place for them to go. These cases
are really not suitable for a Sanatorium and their deaths upset the
morale of other patients besides holding up the admission of
suitable cases.
Besides early and moderate cases of tuberculosis, I would like
to see more cases of lung disease admitted for observation and
investigation from the Chest Clinic. A well equipped sanatorium
should be able to isolate such cases in cubicles and should offer full
clinical, bacteriological, radiological and pathological facilities in
order to establish the diagnosis. If proved non-tuberculous, the
patient is discharged home or transferred to an appropriate hospital.
As is well-known, many diseases simulate Pulmonary Tuberculosis
and the diagnosis can only be arrived at after careful assessment.
Dr. Philip Ellman, Consulting Physician to the Sanatorium,
continues his visits and I wish to express my appreciation of his
great help and co-operation.
The complete liaison that exists between the Sanatorium and
the Chest Clinic is of the greatest advantage to the tuberculous
patient. Recently, this association has been further developed.
Sister Williams, Sister i/c from the Chest Clinic, now visits the
Sanatorium to discuss with the patients any difficulties or problems
that can be put right while they still remain an in-patient. These
visits are much appreciated.
Provision of a House Physician.
The great increase of active treatment means that I have to
limit and curtail other aspects of Sanatorium treatment that I
hold to be essential for the well being of the patient. I wish to
spend more time at the bed-side of the patient, giving them more
detailed clinical examinations and discussing with them the many
difficulties that arise in the life of a tuberculous patient. I wish to
have time to give more talks and lectures on the meaning of