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Transcribed by Greville Watson, November 2010

Northamptonshire County Council
Annual Report
of the
MEDICAL OFFICER of HEALTH
FOR THE YEAR 1943

[Extract]

Sanatorium Report

The number of beds available for patients with pulmonary tuberculosis was 68 – 34 for males and 34 for females.  Six patients were admitted for clinical investigation, five were discharged as non-tuberculous and one non-tuberculous patient died.

There were 160 admissions of patients, 74 male, and 86 female ; and 130 were discharged, 63 male, and 67 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.  16 patients suffering from pleurisy with effusion were treated – all with satisfactory results, 109 sputum positive cases were under treatment, stage (1) 7, stage (2) 71, and stage (3) 31, and 28 P.T. negative cases.  One case of abdominal tuberculosis was also under treatment at the Sanatorium, but was discharged as “diagnosis not confirmed”.  Treatment was sufficient in 44 patients to bring the disease to quiescence.  The average length of stay was 191.64 days.
Laboratory Work


356 sputum tests were made, 182 positive, and 174 negative.  Of patients with positive sputum on admission, 38 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.  803 such examinations were made.
X-ray Work

All patients are filmed on admission, and subsequently during treatment.  1,813 X‑ray examinations were made, consisting of 1,483 screen examinations, and 330 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.

Artificial Pneumothorax Treatment.  Treatment by artificial pneumothorax was continued.  44 inductions of artificial pneumothorax were made at the Sanatorium, and 6 were abandoned.  802 refills were given.  There were 8 pleural washouts and 60 aspirations.

Adhesion Section.  14 patients were transferred to Creaton Sanatorium for section of adhesions limiting artificial pneumothorax  ; two patients were transferred for Thoracoplasties, and two patients for Phrenic Crush.

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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