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11
PHTHISIS.
The number of deaths is twenty-five and there are
eighteen deaths from other forms of tuberculosis.
The notification of this disease by the Poor Law Officers
adds considerably to our knowledge of the extent of this
scourge in the Borough and we also get some comparative
statistics of a limited nature.
Under Form A are notified the number of cases of
Tuberculosis in the Workhouse. Nineteen of these had their
home in Kingston; fifteen in Wimbledon; five in Molesey;
three in New Maiden and one in Tolworth. This gives a
rather heavier incidence to Kingston than to the other districts,
but that may be due to the conditions of the different districts
in regard to the percentage of pauperism. I have persuaded
several persons to take advantage of the Infirmary for
remedial treatment who, but for illness, would not have come
within the cognizance of the Poor Law.
Under Form B we have the cases in the town which
have come under the care of the Parish Medical Officer.
These persons were six in number and resided in Church
road, Vincent road, Fairfield place, and Hudson's road. In
addition, four voluntary notices were received from the
Brompton Consumptive Hospital, and one case came under
my notice through the School Attendance Officer.
Nineteen visits were paid to these persons, or to houses
from which they had been removed to the Infirmary.
Cards of advice and warning were given to the friends and
the homes were inspected with a view to insanitary
conditions. Three of the persons affected had relatives
suffering from the same complaint. Three were notified at
the time of death. One patient was an engineer's pattern
maker and this seemed the only case in which occupation
could be put down as an exciting cause, and this very
doubtfully. Cards have been left in workshops, common
lodging houses, and in all the schools. The illustrated card
copied from one in use in America seems to be much
appreciated. A copy of the card of advice is appended.