View report page

34
On the basis of these estimates, I think we may safely take
the figure of 300 as representing the minimum number of cases
of Consumption existing in this district at any one time.
Curability of Consumption. Consumption is an eminently
curable disease. The proof for this statement is found in the
post mortem room, where it is found that 80 to 90% of the bodies
examined have suffered and recovered from Consumption.
It is also well to note that Professor Sir T. Clifford Allbutt,
of Cambridge, stated at the Tuberculosis Congress of 1901:— " I
am guilty of no extravagance when I suggest that one third of
you who hear me, wittingly or unwittingly, are, or have been,
infected with tubercle."
Tuberculosis Dispensary. All these facts illustrate the
importance of the prevention and cure of Consumption within the
district, and it is this work which a tuberculosis dispensary would
organise and carry out. This work may be summarised as follows :
1. The treatment of consumptives by tuberculin and
other methods.
2. The home treatment of cases unfit to attend the
dispensary.
3. The searching out of contact and early cases of disease
with a view to treatment before the disease has become
advanced.
4. The periodical bacteriological examination of the sputum
of all cases under treatment.
5. The removal to Hospital of cases in need of complete
rest and good food. As to this, arrangements could, I think,
be made with the Joint Hospital Committee for the use of
some of their Hospital accommodation for this purpose.
6. The visiting of the Consumptives in their homes for
the purpose of instructing them as to the best means to be
adopted for their own health and for the prevention of the
spread of the disease to other members of the family.