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40
On January 1st. 1920, there were 1,005 cases on the register
of the department. Of these, 277 were fatal in or prior to 1920,
321 had left the district, 112 were said to be cured.
On December 31st, with the 132 fresh cases notified, there
were 561 cases, the circumstances of which had been investigated.
The treatment of Tuberculosis is under the control of the
Essex County Council. There is a Tuberculosis Dispensary in
Ilford, which is attended on two afternoons a week by the Tuberculosis
Officer. For some months during 1920 these duties were
carried out by the Medical Officer of Health. On December 31st,
1920, there were 275 patients on the register of the Dispensary.
A great improvement in the treatment of Tuberculosis has
been made during the past year by the institution of dental treatment
for Tuberculosis cases. The progress of a case of Phthisis
is much hampered by septic teeth, and the removal of these frequently
causes pyrexia to subside and the patient's condition to
improve. The provision of suitable dentures causes a rapid
improvement in his nutrition.
In Ilford the Essex County Council has arranged with the
Ilford Council to provide dental treatment for these cases from
Ilford, Romford, and Harold Court Sanatorium.
During 1920 a total of 51 Tuberculosis patients was treated
by the Ilford Council Dentist.
In June, 1920, following a public conference held at the
Ilford Town Hall, a voluntary committee was formed, known as
the Ilford Tuberculosis Care Association, to deal with Tuberculosis
cases requiring financial assistance. The Committee has not
been in existence for a sufficient length of time for me to report
fully on its work. I fear, however, that the financial problems
connected with the Tuberculosis patient and his dependants are
far too great to be adequately dealt with by any voluntary
organisation.