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The usual methods of diagnosis have been employed, viz.,
clinical examination, sputum test and X-Rays. Two hundred and
two X-Ray examinations have been made, 60 more than last year.
The use of X-Rays has now come to be regarded as much a part
of examination as the use of stethoscope or microscope. There
are cases in which X-Ray examinations are inconclusive. There
are others in which a definite lesion is found although no definite
clinical signs have been found.
Treatment — Pulmonary — Adults.
All ordinary cases have been treated at the Dagenham
Hospital and Sanatorium. No beds were taken in outside institutions
for ordinary cases. Six cases were referred to the Brompton
Hospital for surgical treatment; the operation of rib removal
(thoraco-plasty) was performed in four cases.
At the opening of the year there were many vacant beds for
both men and women at Dagenham.
Many reasons are given for refusal to accept treatment or to
return for further treatment.
(1) Owing to a previous death of a relative.
(2) Dagenham is too near and not sufficient change of air.
(3) The fact that a patient has had treatment there labels them
as tuberculous, and prejudices their future employment and
social relations. Patients holding this view are more willing
to enter a general chest hospital or the Whipps Cross Hospital.
(4) Men, in receipt of relief, fear that the family will suffer
financially by withdrawal of assistance.
(5) The fact that the patient has, during a previous course of
treatment, witnessed the death of one or more patients.
(6) That Dagenham is too cold.
The provision of cubicles and radiators should meet the last
objection.
Domiciliary Treatment.
This form of treatment is recommended for insured persons,
either on return from institution or as an initial form of treatment.
Two hundred and twenty-four persons were under treatment,
and 374 reports were received from medical attendants.
Annual examinations are arranged for all of these patients and,
necessary, more frequent examinations are made.
Dispensary Treatment.
This is provided for non-insured persons, chiefly women and
children. At the end of the year 506 cases were under treatment.
133