TREATMENT OF RHEUMATISM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21932, 19 April 1933, Page 8

TREATMENT OF RHEUMATISM

RED CROSS CLINIC SATISFACTORY results. (From Our Own Correspondent.) LONDON, March 9. Improved results were obtained last year at. the British Red Cross Society’s Clinic for Rheumatism. The annual report of the clinic states that there were 78,589 attendances for treatment as compared with 77,892 the previous year in the General Patients’ Department. In the Private Patients’ Department there were 8040 attendances during the year. An investigation into the results of treatment of 2133 patients discharged during the year with treatment completed shows that 73.4 per cent, were cured or improved. This (says the report) is a figure of which the committee and the medical and treatment stalls feel justly proud. The detailed figures 'are as follows: —

Although, of course, London and the Home Counties have provided by far tbe greatest number of patients, patients have •come from 41 counties. Over 100 patients have been to convalescent homes during the year. Throughout the year the clinic has been visited almost daily by many medical men and social students, not only from this country, but from the dominions, as well as from most European countries. In a foreword to tbe report Sir Arthur Stanley, chairman of the House Committee of the clinic, says that the results of treatment shown by the report of the Medical Board and the .interest taken in the problem of rheumatism, both in medical and lay circles, are evidence of the success of the clinic. It is the fervent hope of the British Red Cross Society that increased _ financial support will be forthcoming this year to enable further investigations to be made into the causes of the disease. Research is urgent, but a further extension of facilities in this direction is limited by lack of money.

Men. Women. Total. 838 1,295 2.133 Per Per Per cent. cent. cent. Cured .. .. .. 27.3 12.0 18.G Improved .. .. 4(15 60.2 54,8 Unchanged .. 24.0 25.5 25.3 Worse 1.3 1.4 1.3