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26
TUBERCULOSIS.
The number of cases of tuberculosis notified for the first time
during the year was 257—229 pulmonary and 28 non-pulmonary, as
compared with 244 pulmonary and 35 non-pulmonary cases notified
during the year 1942. The deaths from this disease totalled 127—
110 pulmonary and 17 non-pulmonary, as compared with 86 deaths
from pulmonary tuberculosis and 16 from non-pulmonary tuberculosis
in the previous year. The attack rate was 1.88 and the
death-rate 0.93 per 1,000 of tlhe population.
New patients attending at the two Tuberculosis Dispensaries
numbered 1,305, of which number 241 were found to be suffering
from pulmonary tuberculosis and 16 from non-pulmonary tuberculosis.
In addition, 246 contacts of notified cases were examined
and 10 were found to be suffering from tuberculosis.
The Government's scheme for the payment of maintenance
allowances to tuberculous persons undergoing treatment was introduced
in June, 1943. The allowances are payable to patients for
the maintenance of themselves and their dependents whilst they are
awaiting admission to residential institutions, whilst they are in
hospital or sanatoria, and after discharge if, in the opinion of the
Tuberculosis Officer, they are not fit to return to work.
The allowance may be continued for two further periods of six
months after discharge from sanatorium and, in exceptional cases,
for a still further period at the discretion of the Minister of Health.
The County Council's Assessment Officer attends once a week
at the tuberculosis dispensaries to assess new cases and to review the
old ones in which there has been a change in financial cirsumstances.
The allowances are paid by the Borough Treasurer. During
the year 154 patients received allowances under this scheme.
Ninety-six patients received a total of 1,492 artificial pneumothorax
refills at an expense to the Council of £628 2s. 9d. Five
patients received Finsen and arc-light treatment for lupus, the cost
to the Council of the 424 treatments being £38 8s.
Beds and bedding were loaned to 14 patients during the year.
The loan of garden shelters to three patients was continued.
Nine patients received dental treatment, including the provision
of artificial dentures in three cases, at a cost to the Council of
£13 15s. 10d., and 74 patients were granted extra nourishment.
The Tuberculosis Health Visitors paid 2,948 visits to patients'
homes during the year.