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This is a step in the right direction, but the Health Committee
should have before them the following other methods which are
necessary for the complete control and eradication of this disease.
1. Notification.— By this means all cases are brought to
the notice of the Health Authority.
2. Visitation.—All cases notified should be visited, and
advice should be given as to separate sleeping accommodation,
the disposal of the sputum, the necessity for cleanliness, fresh
air, freedom from overcrowding, and generally the steps to be
taken in order that the health of the sufferer and the public is
protected.
3. Medical examination.—The other inmates of the house
should be medically examined, and the sputum of any submitted
to bacteriological examination with a view to the detection of
early cases for sanatorium treatment at Dockwell.
4. Sanatorium treatment.—This should be provided as
above. But it is also necessary, in the interests of the public
health, that the Council should have power, as I have already
stated, to isolate consumptives who are in a dangerously
infectious condition living under circumstances in which
isolation is impossible.
5. Tuberculosis dispensary.—This should exist so that all
who desire may be examined as to the existence of Consumption.
In point of actual practice it would be the centre of the tuberculosis
organisation. The onset of Consumption is insidious,
and many a bread-winner does not seek medical advice at a time
when Consumption would be curable on account of the fee to
be paid. The result often is, that in the end the family becomes
a charge upon the rates when the early diagnosis at relatively
small cost and subsequent Hospital treatment would have
enabled him to live a self-supporting life. In addition, the
danger of such a case to wife, family, fellow-workers and the
general public has to be borne in mind.