Rushden Research Group: Health - Sanatorium Report for 1942

Transcribed by Greville Watson, November 2010

Northamptonshire County Council
Annual Report
of the
MEDICAL OFFICER of HEALTH
FOR THE YEAR 1942

[Extract]

Sanatorium Report

The number of beds available for patients with pulmonary tuberculosis was 68 – 34 for males and 34 for females. Eight patients were admitted for clinical investigation and were all discharged finally as non-tuberculous.

There were 115 admissions of patients, 60 male, and 55 female ; and 99 were discharged, 58 male, and 41 female. Deaths in the Sanatorium numbered 22. The retention of advanced patients is consistent with the policy of isolation. This has been a useful method of preventive treatment. 8 patients suffering from pleurisy with effusion were treated during the year – all with satisfactory results. 73 sputum positive cases were under treatment, stage (1) 3, stage (2) 46, and stage (3) 24, and 25 P.T. negative cases during the year. Treatment was sufficient in 29 patients to bring the disease to quiescence. The average length of stay was 192.42 days.

Laboratory Work

233 sputum tests were made, 127 positive, and 106 negative. Of patients with positive sputum on admission, 16 were negative on discharge. The Blood Sedimentation Rate was assessed on admission of each patient, and at monthly intervals during treatment. This examination gives an immediate indication as to the patient’s condition, and activity of disease. 763 such examinations were made.

X-ray Work

All patients are filmed on admission, and subsequently during treatment. 1,909 X‑ray examinations were made, consisting of 1,675 screen examinations, and 234 films. All nursing and domestic staff are X‑rayed on commencing duties, and at periods during their service according to their reaction to the Mantoux test.

Treatment

Consists of absolute rest for patients with the most active type of disease, substituted for those who have lost their toxaemia by hours up, and later by light graded work. Additional measures were used with some patients:

(1) Gold Treatment. 12 patients were treated, and 99 injections given, the average total amount of gold salt being 1.05 gms.

(2) Cadmium. 512 injections of Cadmium Sulphide in sterile olive oil were given to 50 patients.

(3) Artificial Pneumothorax Treatment. Treatment by artificial pneumothorax was continued throughout the year. 24 inductions of artificial pneumothorax were made at the Sanatorium, and 2 were abandoned within one month. 643 refills were given. There were 26 pleural wash-outs, and 61 aspirations.

(4) Adhesion Section. Five patients were transferred to Creaton Sanatorium for section of adhesions limiting artificial pneumothorax treatment.

The Treatment Block at the Sanatorium was again in use for examination of patients, artificial pneumothorax treatment, pleural wash-outs, sedimentation rates, dental work, and X‑ray work, and also as an office.

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