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12
During the past year 110 or 53 per cent, of the persons who
died from pulmonary turberculosis were unable to secure a separate
bedroom during the course of the treatment at home, although some
of this number actually died in an institution, the total number of
deaths occurring at home during the year being 99, or 48.3 per cent,
of the total number, 205. In 40 of the cases who did not have even
a bed to themselves, tubercle bacilli were known to be present in the
sputum. During 1923 the number of deaths at home was 116, or
53.7 per cent, of the total number, 216, so that this year.s figures are
slightly better than the previous year.
Under these circumstances there is little to wonder at in the
fact that this disease is still so prevalent. The Council has no power
to arrange for the treatment of advanced cases, and has protested
on several occasions against the inadequate accommodation provided
for them.
There were 134 deaths among dispensary patients, and 51 of
these patients, or 38 per cent., were in the final stage of the disease
on first attendance; 59 patients, or 44 per cent., were in the second
stage. It also appears from an examination of the case papers that
90 of these cases, or 67 per cent., had been suffering from this
disease for a period varying between three to twelve months before
being referred to the dispensary.
An attempt has been made during the past year to improve the
notification of Tuberculosis and on page 48 will be found copies of a
letter and circular sent to medical practitioners when it appeared
that delay had occurred in notifying cases.
The action of the Council in bringing to the notice of the
Ministry of Health the danger that results from Tuberculous
persons being engaged in the distribution of milk has resulted in the
drafting of Regulations, which are not yet however approved by
the Minister of Health.