CHAIN OF CLINICS

Taranaki Daily News, 17 April 1935, Page 13

CHAIN OF CLINICS

TREATMENT of TUBERCULOSIS. SUBSIDIARY TO TtlE SANATORIA, The establishment of a chain of clinics, subsidiary to the principal sanatoria of the North Island, for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis was the suggestion contained in a letter received by the Taranaki Hospital Board yesterday from the Director-General of Health, Dr. M. H. Watt. ' The matter was referred to the’ house and finance committee for consideration. “A committee representing boards controlling North Island sanatoria discussed the question of endeavouring to secure for people in the area served by these'sanatoria better service in relation to the treatment of patients suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis,” stated 'the letter. "As you are no doubt aware, there are already established in conjunction with the South Island sanatoria a chain of clinics located at the various local hospitals. These are visited regularly by the medical officers from the sanatoria, who confer with the local medical superintendents and local medical practitioners with a view to better service in the treatment of the disease. It is agreed that this has done a great deal in helping to secure the earlier treatment of cases of pulmonary tuberculosis and jn ensuring a greater probability of eventual recovery as well as a greater measure of protection to the public. “It is now proposed to endeavour to work on similar lines in the North Island. To institute such a system it is not suggested that any financial commitment be asked from local bodies, but that a chain of clinics be established and that the medical officers from the North Island sanatoria visit them periodically for consultation purposes. “To further this scheme it is proposed that representatives from the board controlling the sanatoria, together with a representative from the department, wait upon your board at an early date.”