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108
phrenic evulsion and thoracoplasty are available under the scheme
for Dispensary patients, and the former operation is coming more
and more into use.
Finsen Light is available for Dispensary patients who have
Lupus Vulgaris. Two Dispensary patients had this treatment at
the London Hospital during the year.
Artificial Sunlight treatment was given by arrangement at
King's College Hospital to four Dispensary patients during the year.
Work of Tuberculosis Nurses.
The Tuberculosis nurses paid 8,376 visits to the homes of
tuberculous patients during the year. The aim of the tuberculosis
nurse is to become the friend of the family in which there is tuberculosis.
She has to look about her in the home to endeavour to gauge its
healthiness or unhealthiness, but this is a matter of urgent importance
not only to the patient but also to his family and her aim in this
connection is to bring healthy out of unhealthy conditions. She
has to ask questions, but how can those in need be helped unless
questions are asked. She follows up her first visit by subsequent
visits to keep in touch with the problems and necessities of the
family. She probably arranges the first examination of the contacts
of the patient, but in this connection she does far more than that—
she enquires as to the health of the contacts on her subsequent
visits and urges re-examination as far as she can if there is any
suspicion of ill health. She is the vehicle whereby care work needs
are brought to the care work organisation, and in so far as she is
tactful and essentially friendly her visits are thoroughly welcome
—they are indeed a Godsend to the troubled family. The nurse's
propaganda in the home is not restricted to the people in the home
visited. It is the old story of the pebble thrown into the pool—
once she has won the hearts of the people in the tubercle infected
home her teaching is passed on to others in daily conversations. The
instruction cards (Notes on Tuberculosis) issued, are proving very
useful in propaganda work among patients, their relatives and
friends.
Nursing of Patients.
We have always been able to obtain a District Nurse whenever
one is required. In the majority of cases, however, it is better to
urge the removal of a patient who is confined to bed, to hospital.
Nature and Extent of any Dental Treatment.
Ten patients received dentures through the Tuberculosis
Dispensary dental scheme of the Borough. Approved societies
contributed part in the case of the insured and patients who could
afford it contributed.