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54
A very big percentage of the children treated at the Dispensary
are not actually suffering from Tuberculosis, but in that
condition described above as Pre-Tuberculous, and it is imperative
that these children should be adequately treated or
supervised if they are to be prevented from becoming definitely
Tuberculous.
After-Care. (Extra Nourishments, Visiting by Nurses,
Dispensary Treatment, Periodical consultations between the
Panel Doctors and the Tuberculosis Officer.)
The Extra Nourishment granted, though of advantage in a
few individual cases, has not proved to be the definite asset in
maintaining the patient's strength that was anticipated. Failing
a more extensive "After-Care " Scheme, it would doubtless be
advantageous if the Nourishment granted could be provided at
one or more central dining centres which, for a small sum, could
have attached a reading and rest room for the patients.
A very essential part in the treatment of Tuberculosis is
efficient "After-Care ", and it is in this essential that the scheme
is weakest. Except in the very earliest cases, Tuberculosis is
not cured in the comparatively short period of time that a
patient remains in a Sanatorium, which only really builds up the
resistance for further prolonged treatment, to be carried out,
generally, in the patient's home.
It is abundantly evident that any scheme for dealing with
the treatment or eradication of Tuberculosis should, like most
other public health measures, be broad based upon healthy
homes.
F. GARLAND COLLINS,
Tuberculosis Officer.