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8
TUBERCULOSIS.
The work done at the Tuberculosis Dispensary
in Welldon Crescent proved most valuable, and was the
means of securing Sanatorium treatment tor many
patients, both adults and children. The number of
new patients was 25 and there were 152 attendances at
the Dispensary, which is open every Thursday at 2 p.m.
Referring to the arrangements for treating some of
our infectious cases in the hospitals of two neighbouring
authorities, which I mentioned in a previous paragrahp,
I would like to say that although this generally
answers quite satisfactorily, yet occasionally there are
times when these institutions are full of their own cases
and cannot accommodate any from outside. This usually
happens when outbreaks occur affecting, more or
less, all the surrounding districts, and when our needs
are most urgent.
I hesitate under existing conditions of dear labour
and materials to advise the erection of a fully equipped
isolation hospital for the district, but my experience of
the last few years, leads me strongly to the opinion
that the Council would do well to erect a small temporary
building, of a few beds, which could be used
generally as observation wards for doubtful cases, and
in times of urgency could accommodate a few cases for
which beds in the Isolation Hospitals were not available.
Your Fever Nurse could have charge of this when, in
use, and in ordinary circumstances no further staff
would be required. It is well known that practically
every available house in the district is filled to its utmost
capacity. Isolation of infectious cases at home is almost
impossible. This sometimes puts very serious
responsibilities upon the Medical Officer of Health
which he should not be called upon to take, when by a
moderate outlay this additional means of dealing with
difficult cases could be provided.
Premises in which Infectious Disease has occurred
are disinfected by means of Formaldehyde Gas, and
Formalin in solution is used for spraying. This is done
free of any charge to occupiers, and disinfectants are
supplied free. Rooms that have been occupied by
Cancerous or Tuberculosis cases, are disinfected in the
same way.