70 beds were available during the year for the treatment of patients suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis.  These were allocated as follows:- Men 28, Women 28, Children 14 (Boys 7, Girls 7).  Of these beds 14 only are available for acute and advanced cases.

For the second year since the opening of the Sanatorium, all 70 beds have been occupied every day throughout the year.  The London County Council kept an average of eleven beds occupied.

As one would expect, a large proportion of the male patients, and a fair proportion of the female patients, admitted, were engaged in the boot and shoe industry, and, in addition, a good number were housewives, many of whom had previously been engaged in the same industry.

It will be remembered that during 1932, the Public Health Committee resolved to recommend the Council to authorise the erection, in the grounds of the Sanatorium, of a detached hospital building to accommodate 14 females cases of acute or more advanced pulmonary tuberculosis, with the continued utilization of the existing 14 hospital beds in the main building for similar male cases.  This recommendation was withdrawn at a later meeting owing to retrenchment in public expenditure.

In February, 1933, the Public Health Committee decided to re‑submit their recommendation, and the County Council in March sanctioned the scheme and the raising of a loan not exceeding £5,500.

The work of the new building is now well in hand, and it is hoped it will be ready for reception of patients early in the coming year.

In addition, one part of the main administrative block is being raised one storey, to give accommodation for the increase of staff required for the new block.

The new hospital block is a one storied building, consisting of two four-bedded wards and six single cubicles.  It is built of brick with tiled roof and faces south.  A nurse’s duty room stands in the centre of the block, and a glass covered verandah stretches from the duty room on each side to the four-bedded wards – in front of the single cubicles.  Patients’ beds can be wheeled on to this verandah in suitable weather.  A corridor runs along the back of the cubicles for the full length of the building, with two sets of bathrooms and lavatories, and a kitchen on the opposite side of the corridor.  There is central heating throughout the building, all the cubicles being provided with radiators.  The floors and skirting boards are made of special material called “Granwood.”  The building is lighted by electricity obtained from the town supply.  Gas is also installed in the kitchen.  It is pleasantly situated and promises to be a handsome and serviceable building.

When one considers the large number of acute and serious cases admitted during the year, the need for the new building for such cases becomes very evident.

During the year, the small emergency ward in the main building for serious cases and emergencies, mentioned in last year’s report, was fitted up, and has already proved of great use.

The quadrangle in front of the main building and several of the paths have been renovated.