TUBERCULOSIS

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 53, 4 March 1927, Page 12

TUBERCULOSIS

POLICY OF TREATMENT

RADICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

DE. BLACKMORE'S REPORT

(By Telegraph.)

(Special to "The Evening Post.")

CHRISTCHTJKCH, This Day. Dr. Blaekmore'a report in regard to the treatment of tuberculosis in New Zealand was adopted by the Hospital Boards' Association conference yesterday. The suggestions and recommendations were:— (1) The hospital boards of the North Island and those of the South. Island to combine in respective groups for the purpose of carrying out measures for dealing with tuberculosis.

(2) Each, of the two combinations of boards to have an executive committee representative of all boards in the conference, but avoiding unwieldiness; smaller boards to join in groups of two or three to appoint a single representative on the committee.

(3) The functions of each of the North and South Island committees would be to take over or establish and maintain (a) tuberculosis dispensaries in the various centres, and visiting medical and nursing personnel in connection therewith; (b) fresh air homes for children of tubercular parents; (c) sanatoria for early patients; (d) special hospitals for advanced cases; (c) working colonies for cases requiring medical supervision while their working capacity is being restored; (f) generally to control and direct measures for the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis in the respective items. It is considered the Government's function to deal with tuberculosis patients having bad habits or character; it 5* also deemed a Government function to establish and maintain research institutions.

(4) Each committee will have associated with it a tuberculosis medical specialist with administrative and organising ability who would advise rej garding policy as well, as supervising all • activities and the working of institutions. Beeiprocal arrangements would be made between the North and South Island organisations for dealing with patients passing from one island to another. (6) The remaining recommendations jdeal with particular measures of prevention and treatment, particularly as affecting children —(a) Inculcation of better habits and conditions of living and measures to improve physique and increase resistance to the disease; (b) means of detecting early infection and of keeping cases under observation and the introduction of open air schools and fresh air homes; all orphanages to be planned as fresh air homes; placing of children of tubercular parents with foster parents in the country; (c) inaugurating pure milk supply. DIFFICULTIES MUST BE OVEECOME. "I am sure that every'delegate realises the responsibility that rests upon us in this," said the chairman (Mr. William Wallace). "Many difficulties are in the way, and the greatest difficulty is that of finance, but nothing should stand in the way of the.relief of suffering, and I havo confidence in our ability to surmount any difficulties that we may meet." Mr. W. E. Leadley (Christchurch), in moving the adoption of the report, emphasised the importance of tackling the question as early as possible. He submitted that if the executive were able to formulate a scheme the association should hold a special conference before 1929. In Canterbury the breaking point had been reached in fighting the white plague; tho work could not be extended, and twice as much money was being spent in Canterbury as in any other part of the Dominion. Mr. C. At. Luke (Wellington) paid a tribute to the worth of Dr. G. J. Blackmore's address on Tuesday. The report had his hearty support and cooperation. It was not for tho boards to rush blindly into vast expenditure, but the careful recommendations of such committees as were suggested would be a guide of immense value. "Tho question is, what are we going to do in the future?" said Mr.. J. K. Hornblow. "Wo can go back to our board inspired after' hearing tho greatest authority on tuberculosis in the Dominion." Mr. AY. Dove (Dunedin) suggested that a special conference to consider the committee's recommendation be fixed for 1028. "The oxecutive has power to arrange that," said the chairman. The report was adopted.