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Transcribed by Greville Watson, November 2010

Northamptonshire County Council
Annual Report
of the
MEDICAL OFFICER of HEALTH
FOR THE YEAR 1945

[Extract]

Sanatorium Report

The number of beds available for patients with pulmonary tuberculosis was 76 ; 40 for males and 36 for females.  Nine patients were admitted for clinical investigation, eight were discharged as non-tuberculous and the other patient, who was found to be suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis, was discharged after treatment.

There were 145 admissions of patients, 72 male, and 73 female, and 129 were discharged, 62 male, and 67 female.  Deaths in the Sanatorium numbered 16.  The retention of advanced patients is consistent with the policy of isolation and has been a useful method of preventive treatment.  The patients admitted to the Sanatorium were classified as follows on admission – Tuberculous pleural effusion 5 ; sputum negative cases 56 ; sputum positive cases, stage I – 4 ; sputum positive cases, stage II – 59 ; sputum positive cases, stage III – 12 ; observation cases – 9.  Treatment was sufficient in 50 patients to bring the disease to quiescence.  The average length of stay was 174.83 days.
Laboratory Work


228 sputum tests were made, 117 positive, and 101 negative.  Of patients with positive sputum on admission, 16 were negative on discharge.  The Blood Sedimentation Rate which gives an immediate indicatgion of the patient’s condition, and activity of disease, was assessed on admission, and at monthly intervals during treatment : 831 such examinations were made.  Vital Capacity Tests were carried out on 203 patients.  Mantoux Tests were carried out in the case of 12 child patients.
X-ray Work

All patients are filmed on admission and subsequently during treatment.  2,487 X‑ray examinations were made, consisting of 2,164 screen examinations, and 323 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.  53 inductions of artificial pneumothorax were made at the Sanatorium ; 1,890 refills were given.  There were 5 pleural washouts and 53 aspirations.

Adhesion Section.  15 patients were transferred to Creaton Sanatorium for section of adhesions limiting artificial pneumothorax and thoracoplasties.

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


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