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Bacteriological and other examinations. With the admission
of a large number of sputum positive cases, the more exacting
bacteriological methods, beyond the scope of routine examination
of sputum and repeated examination in negative cases, are
seldom necessary. A blood sedimentation test has been carried
out in a number of cases, mostly in those having gold injections.
In many cases its usefulness would appear to be somewhat limited.
Recreation. During the winter months the usual arrangements
were made by the Hospitals Committee for concert parties
to visit the institution monthly. Whist drives and billiards
handicaps are also held at intervals.
There are three billiards tables, two of which are full-sized,
and also a bagatelle table. There are two putting greens. Dart
boards, dominoes, and chess are among other games supplied.
Wireless is available for the patients, head-phones for the
sick, and loud speakers mostly for the convalescent. The wireless
set on the female side was provided through the generosity of
Councillor Mr. A. G. Gay, J.P.
Staff. During the year the health of the stalf as a whole
has been satisfactory.
Unfortunately one member of the nursing staff contracted
pulmonary tuberculosis. I am glad to report that, after treatment
in the institution, she has now been on full duty for some time.
Great difficulty has been experienced in obtaining probationers,
and for the first time in the history of the institution it
became necessary to engage the services of private nurses.
Three nurses passed Part I. of the examination for the
certificate of the Tuberculosis Association, and three obtained
their final certificate. Of recent years many leave before completing
their course of training, often to take up private work.
(6) Langdon Hill Sanatorium.
This institution was officially opened in October, 1927, for
the admission of children suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis.
It stands on a site of 99 acres, its elevation being one of the
highest in Essex.
There is accommodation for forty children—twenty of each
sex. The main building, which is connected up with the dining
room and kitchen, has two wards of 14 beds each, with three
two-bedded cubicles at each side, and a nurses' duty kitchen
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