TUBERCULOSIS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 205, 28 July 1928, Page 8

TUBERCULOSIS

DEPARTMENTAL report. IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATIONS Per Press Association.. WELLINGTON, July 27. Tho report of the departmental committee set up by the Minister or Health to investigate tho prevention of tuberculosis and the accommodation of patients was presented to 1 arliament by the Minister this afternoon. The final conclusions of the committee are as follow: — . , . “Pulmonary tuberculosis in tins country does not constitute a grave national menace. Fewer people die from all forms of tuberculosis than are killed by violence. As far as can bo ascertained the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis in this country is less than in any other country. “Substantial progress has been made in adopting measures for its control and treatment. .But pulmonarj tuberculosis is an insidious and protracted infectious disease which will gain ground and become a menace unless constantly repressed The most important contribution that can be made to a successful issue of the campaign is a co-ordination ot the measures and <?f the efforts now employed in fighting the disease. The committee make the following recommendations :—7 . . (1) That a division of tuberculosis be established in'the Health Department and that a director of this division be appointed. (2) That hospital boards should bo encouraged to establish tuberculosis dispensaries. . . , , (3) That the routine use of tuberculin in sanatoria be discouraged. (4) That the medical superintendents of sanatoria be urged to admit all cases that would be likely to benefit. ' . . . (5) That the stay of minimal cases should not ;as now be unduly prolonged. Otaki sanatorium be increased. (7) That extra accommodation be provided for chronic cases in the special hospitals .at Dunedin Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland. (8) That sufficient accommodation for tuberculosis cases be reserved at tlie general hospitals in Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland for the benefit of patients and to afford medical practitioners and medical students opportunities for studying the disease. (9) Tnat the medical profession be encouraged to co-operate with local authorities, the Department of Health, and voluntary aid associations in their efforts to control the disease. (10) That the Otago Hospital Board g bo encouraged to join with the associate boards to form one association. (11) That the hospital boards In the South Island north of Ashburton be encouraged to form an association with a committee representative of each district. v l2) That specially trained nurses oe employed for inspection of cases in homes. (13) That the establishment of voluntary aid committees for discharged patients and cases in homes be encouraged. ANNEXE AT PALMERSTON NORTH. WOftK COMMENDED. (By Telegraph—Special to Standard). WELLINGTON, July 27. 9 In the course of their report the departmental committee on tuberculosis state that the impression conveyed at the annexe to the Palmerston North Hospital was that the accommodatmn was insufficient. A tuberculosis dispensary is about to be opened there, and this would result in the seeking out of a number, of advanced cases in tho district which should *be accommodated in the hospital. At the Otaki sanatorium patients were discharged earlier than was wise in order to cope with the waiting list. . . . The annexes to hospitals visited were discharging their function satisfactorily. The Sunshine Ward, Waikato, and the annexe at Palmerston North were especially to be commended.