SCOURGE OF T.B.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 93, 17 March 1927, Page 10

SCOURGE OF T.B.

HOSPITAL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED.

A NATIONAL MOVEMENT.

AUCKLAND, March 12

“The treatment of tuberculosis was the most important matter that was discussed,” said Mr William Wallace, chairman of the Auckland Hospital Board, in recording some of his impressions of the recent conference of the New Zealand Hospital Boards, which was held at Christchurch. Mr Wallace presided at the conference, which is regarded by the hospital boards as the most successful one that has been held in the Dominion. Mr Wallace said that Dr. Blackmore gave an exceptionally interesting address on the treatment of tuberculosis, dealt with the preventive side, and outlined a scheme for dealing with the scourge throughout the Dominion. It had been contended that the South Island was doing more for the treatment of T.B. patients than the North Island, but figures given by Dr. Valintine showed that the notifications from both islands were much the same. The North Island had a population of 891,790, and the South Island 515,19.5. During the past year there were 693 notifications from the South Island and 625 from the North Island.

UNANIMITY of effort. Proceeding, Mr Wallace said, that some of the South Island hospital boards complained that T.B. patients from the North Island gravitated to the South Island .to enter sanatoria there. At ono stage of the conference there seemed to be a feeling of North against South, but after hearing Dr. Blackmore’si address that- idea was quickly dispelled, and it was felt that there should be pe'refect unanimity in an effort to deal with the disease.

“I venture to say that every delegate was deeply impressed with Qie earnestness of Dr. Blackmore's appeal,” said Mr Wallace. “It was an appeal made on humanitarian grounds and.not merely as the medical superintendent of a sanatorium. Personally, I feel that not enough is being done in the North Island to cope with the disease. However, the scheme drawn up by Dr. Blackmore lias been referred to our executive, and when it is carried into effect adequate provision will be made for patients throughout the Doriiinioh.” PROPOSED GROUPING. Mr Wallace said that in his opinion groups of hospital boards should be joined to run sanatoria, each board to have its quota of representation. The question of sites should be purely a matter for experts to deal with. He thought that the Auckland Hospital Board should give a lead, and he would suggest that all the hospital boards north of Taumarunui should be grouped together for the purpose. While in Christchurch Mr Wallace took the oportunity of investigating as fully as possible hospital matters there. He was greatly impressed with the Cashmere Hills Sanatorium, where Dr. Blackmore is in charge. There, provision is made for children who have come into contact with T.B. patients, but have not themselves contracted the disease. The children - were educated, instructed in a proper mode of living, and fitted in every, possible way to be immune against the disease. “The point'that struck me,” said Mr Wallace, “is what will become of the children when they leave the sanatorium ? If they go back to their old environment what will be the result?” START WITH THE SCHOOLS. Continuing, Mr Wallace said that it was estimated by experts that there were 6000 T.B. patients in the Dominion, and that there were 20,000 contacts, but if Dr. Blackmore’s scheme were carried out all would be placed under proper supervision. Personally, Mr Wallace thought that the proper place to begin was ill the schools, where the children, could be instructed in regard to good and tegular habits, and the taking of 'necessary exercise.