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The results of treatment during 1929 do not differ to any
marked extent from those of 1928. The duration of stay was
somewhat less, 136.17 days compared with 158.60 days, which was
only to be expected as the weather was more favourable for Sanatorium
treatment. Thirty-four sputum positive cases Grade I.
were discharged during the year, compared with thirty the previous
year. Only forty-six sputum positive Grade III. were discharged
against fifty-nine last year.
From year to year one cannot expect anv marked improvement
in results. The results depend very largely on the class of case
admitted, and the above figures shew that in the past year there
has been a slight increase in early cases and a considerable decrease
in the number of advanced cases admitted. These figures are encouraging,
and shew that progress is being made in the right
direction.
The much sought for cure for Consumption as years go by
seems as far off as ever. Prevention must certainly come before
cure in this disease, but with the advance made and energies extended
of recent years to cope with this scourge there can be little
hope of reducing the numbers infected to a satisfactory level, as
long as advanced cases are allowed to remain in their homes and
discharge themselves from Institutions to infect their families and
the community at large. Sooner or later this matter will have to
be faced if any real advance is to be made in coping with the
disease.
The following table shews the comparison of rainfall for the
past two years in inches :—
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
1928 2.53 1.18 1.65 1.27 2.36 2.05 1.75 2.46 0.56 3.11 1.68 2.57
1929 0.90 0.34 0.05 1.18 1.23 0.67 1.77 1.60 0.15 2.26 4.20 3.10
Light Treatment.
Artificial Light Treatment has again been used during the
winter months in a limited number of cases. The results have
supported the opinion formed in the previous year that Light
Treatment is a useful contribution to Sanatorium treatment.
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