T.B. HAZARDS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22569, 24 February 1948, Page 6

T.B. HAZARDS

UNDIAGNOSED CASES X-RAY TESTS AT COOK “It is undoubtedly the undiagnosed case of tuberculosis that is the source of danger to members of the nursing staff, and particularly the younger nurses,” said the medical superintendent of the Cook Hospital, Dr. R. J. B. Hall, discussing at yesterday’s meeting • of the Cook Hospital Board a recommendation that all patients admitted f o hospital for treatment should be Xrayed. The suggestion originated from Dr. R. S. Francis, travelling tuberculosis specialist, who pointed out that infection records of recognised tuberculosis sanatoria were lower than those in general hospitals because cases under treatment in sanatoria were defined in character, whereas in general hospitals there was always the chance of an undiagnosed tuberculosis case spreading infection. Palmerston North Discovery In support of this statement it was reported that of 2009 patients X-rayed over a recent period in Palmerston North, 21 were found to be active tuberculosis cases. The chairman, Mr. J. B. Williams stated that at a recent meeting of the Pukeora Sanatorium committee, there had been a discussion on the relative dangers of nursing in sanatoria and general hospitals. The committee had been assured that there was very little risk for the nurses engaged in dealing with cases definitely classed as tuberculosis. The board gave authority to the managing-secretary and medical superintendent to arrange when possible, for the institution of a systematic programme of X-ray tests on incoming patients, as a means of protecting the nursing staff from infection.