TREATMENT OF CONSUNP.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15183, 30 June 1911, Page 6

TREATMENT OF CONSUNP.

TION. A SCHEME IN THE MAKING. Tlw expression of opinion that comes from the Hospital Boaras' Conference, now sitting at Wellington, on tho necessity for tho adoption ot preventive -or curative measures for coping with consumption, and tho assurance ot its readiness to heartily co-operato in any schema devised by the department, brings ,to mind the' fact that Something of a practical nature is already being 'dono in this direction in tho Otago Hospital district. Dr Cnamptaloup, Dk trksfc Health Oiiicor, when approached by a Daily Times reporter for some information 011 the subject, 6tated that a definite scheme had already been put forward by Dr Falconer (medical superintendent) and himself, and there was every facility for carrying it into effect in its entirety, Under this scheme, it. was explained, provision is first of all made for the treatment by tho Palmorston Sanatorium of persons who are in the early stages of consumption by tho use of tuberculin for such of these patients who are willing to avail themselves of it. Following upon this, provision is mado for cither a ward or a separate institution for advanced cases which can •derive no benefit from treatment in the Sanatorium ; also for tho treatment at the existing bacteriological department at the Dunedin Hospital, by means of tuberculin, of incipient cases where the persons affected aro unable to avail themselves of the Sanatorium treatment, and also of those patients who have been discharged from tho Sanatorium in order that treatment, may bo continued over tho period of timo necessary complete the cure. An additional provision is in tho direction of securing the services of a specially trained nurso who shall exercise a general supervision over the ' homes of poor peoplo who are under treatment, and advise suspected cases to go to tho dispensary to bo lusted ami if necessary, treated. Tho scheme Still further provides for a_ move frequent notification and re-notification of eases, and a more frequent disinfection of promises by Hospital Board inspectors This schemo is now actually in operation in so far as treatment at the Sanatorium and at tho laboratory at tho thfnedin Hospital is concerned, and it is gratifying to note that quite a number of peoplo are-availing themselves of the opportunities thus afforded, and that results 60 far have quite justified the establishment of the eoheme. It is, of course, very much to be disired that tho wholo of tho provisions outlined in tho scheme shall be given effect to, and it may be assumed that when the Otago delegates have returned to Dunedin from tho Wcllineton conf_erenos the matter will bo one that will receivo tho earliest and closest attention of tho Hosnital Board.